Left-hander confident of returning from quad injury in time for India series after WPL setback

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Phoebe Litchfield is confident she will recover in time for Australia’s upcoming multi-format series against India after a quad injury brought her Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign to an early end. The 22-year-old returned home midway through the tournament to focus on rehabilitation, with the T20I leg of the India series set to begin on February 15 at the SCG.

Litchfield had enjoyed an impressive WPL season with UP Warriorz before the injury struck, scoring 243 runs in six matches at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 154.77. Her final appearance came on January 22 against Gujarat Giants, where she scored 32 off 27 balls. While disappointed to miss the closing stages, Litchfield said the decision to return home was taken with the bigger picture in mind.

“It was a little niggle, which was unfortunate because we needed to win those last couple of games,” Litchfield said. “It was devastating to leave early, but I took the cautious approach knowing what was coming up and how important this series is for us. I’m on track for game one, hopefully.”

Australia’s series against India also marks the beginning of a significant transition, with long-time captain Alyssa Healy nearing the end of her international career. Although Litchfield had previously been mentioned as a potential future leader, Sophie Molineux will captain the side in the three-match T20I series, ushering in a new era for the team.

“We’re really excited and get into camp next week,” Litchfield said. “It’s been a while since we’ve been together, and after the World Cup semi-final loss to India, we’re really motivated to have a successful series. Alyssa leaves a big hole, but Soph will do an amazing job, supported by all of us.”

Healy will continue to lead Australia through her farewell assignments, including the three-match ODI series and a one-off day-night Test at the WACA. Litchfield said the squad is determined to ensure the retiring skipper signs off on a high note.

“Our group is really excited to send Midge off really positively,” she said. “I think she’s keen to get one up against the Indian girls after that World Cup semi-final.”

Having grown up watching Healy, Litchfield admitted the wicketkeeper-batter’s retirement announcement came as a shock. Healy made her international debut when Litchfield was just seven years old, and she quickly became one of her idols.

“I remember she was one of the first signatures I got on one of my first bats,” Litchfield recalled. “When she announced her retirement, I sent her a picture of that bat and she thought it was pretty cool. Sharing the crease with Alyssa Healy has been a very special moment in my career.”

Reflecting on the impact of Healy’s departure, Litchfield added: “It’s going to be a massive change. She’s been such a big part of the team’s identity, similar to Meg Lanning. It’ll be strange not seeing her name on the team list, but it’s been a privilege to play alongside her.”

Healy’s final appearance is scheduled to be the day-night Test at the redeveloped WACA, now just a month away. In tribute, a section of the ground near the iconic scoreboard will be renamed ‘Healy Hill’, as the venue reopens with a capacity of 10,000 following years of redevelopment.

“I think WA Cricket have done an amazing job,” Litchfield said. “From a player’s point of view, it’s a great place to bat but also a real challenge early on. It offers a lot and is a fantastic ground for women’s cricket.”