Women's World Cup 2022: Ellyse Perry, Afy Fletcher ruled out of Australia vs West Indies semi-final

We are done and dusted with the league stage of the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2022, and it’s time for the knock-outs.  England, Australia, South Africa, and West Indies have made it to the final four and would be raring to clinch the title. Meanwhile, Australia and West Indies will meet in the first semi-final, and ahead of the crucial clash both camps have been jolted with unavailability issues.

While veteran West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher has tested positive for COVID-19, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is reeling with back issues. Both players are set to miss the semi-final fixture, which takes place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday (March 30).

Mandy Mangru named Afy Fletcher’s replacement

Speaking of Fletcher, the veteran leg-spinner has been pretty impressive in the competition, having scalped four wickets in three outings so far. She has particularly been brilliant in restricting the run flow in the middle overs. Hence, Fletcher’s loss would leave a significant void in West Indies’ bowling attack. She won’t likely be available for the final either, in case West Indies qualify.

Hence, young all-rounder Mandy Mangru – who has been with the team as a travelling reserve – has been drafted into the squad as Fletcher’s replacement. Notably, Mangru has played just one ODI for West Indies and she’s all but likely to take the field against the Aussies.

As far as Perry is concerned, the 31-year-old picked up the back complaint during Australia’s group match against South Africa last week. She subsequently left the field after bowling three overs. As the talismanic all-rounder hasn’t recovered completely, she will give the semi-final match a miss.

“Unfortunately she (Perry) just ran out of time to prove her fitness,” Australia captain Meg Lanning said on Tuesday. “We will keep assessing her if we are to progress in the tournament so unfortunate for her and the team, obviously a big blow, but we feel like we’ve got some good depth to be able to cover it and we’re going to have to do that tomorrow,” she added.

Fortunately for the Aussies, Lanning is hopeful that Perry can regain fitness for the final clash if the Women in Yellow qualify. “We haven’t looked too far ahead, we’ll keep assessing her if we are to progress but the team and squad are very focussed on tomorrow. I’m sure there’s work going on in the background to get her up if we were to get through,” Lanning added.