Sophie Molineux's fractured rib pushes T20 World Cup participation into uncertainty

Australia Women bowler Sophie Molineux has sustained an injury during the practice session which could potentially rule her out of action for almost eight weeks.Australia will be playing three T20Is against New Zealand from September 19 to 24 and land in Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on October 3.

The left-arm pacer fractured her rib during the practice drill and her participation in the upcoming New Zealand series and T20 World Cup hinges on speedy recovery as she is running against the time. Molineux's injury also means that she will miss out on the Hundred, where she plays for Manchester Originals. Moreover, in another blow to the Aussies, star all-rounder Grace Harris has also sustained a calf strain, which will also rule her out of the Hundred for London Spirit. 

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"Molineux suffered an acute rib fracture after being struck by a ball in the chest while batting last week. Harris suffered an aggravation of a calf injury sustained in her preparation for The Hundred and the upcoming season. She is now working through a graduated rehabilitation and [a] return-to-play program,” Cricket Australia stated as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Kim Garth replaces Molineux in Originals squad ahead of Hundred season

On the other hand, Originals have roped in Kim Garth as the replacement for injured Molineux and Megan Schutt will replace Harris in the Spirit camp. Other than the tweaks in the Hundred, the injuries to both players have also called for changes in the Australia A squad which is set to host India A in a multi-format series. Maitlan Brown and Kate Peterson have been called up to join the team with Brown featuring in ODIs, contrary to her just T20I selection before.