Nitschke: Injuries will not affect Australia’s preparations for India
Media release
Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke insists injuries to key players will not unsettle her team when they look to wrap up top spot in Group A against India.
Nitschke’s side continued their winning start to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 but their comfortable win over Pakistan came at a cost with injuries to captain Alyssa Healy and the returning Tayla Vlaeminck.
It takes a lot to fluster the reigning champions and Nitschke believes it is important that both players and staff show their resolve as the business end of the tournament approaches.
“We lost Taylor pretty early in the game, which was pretty devastating,” said Nitschke.
“The players were probably pretty shaken out there and obviously Alyssa came off at the end with a foot injury.
“I think it's pretty devastating, particularly for Taylor, who's had a tough road back and is playing in her first World Cup for a little while. The girls are pretty supportive in getting around both her and Alyssa.
“As support staff, it's just about being calm and consistent. Sure, we've had some injuries, but I think if we are uptight, players will feel that.
“I think what can send a good message to the players is that everything's okay here. So that's what we'll be doing and not changing too much at all.”
Australia will not have had long to patch up their wounds when they take on India in Sharjah, having beaten Pakistan by nine wickets just 48 hours prior.
Nitschke has warned against any hangover from their difficult night in Dubai and urged her side to be braced for an aggressive approach from the Women in Blue, who are in need of a victory to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the semi finals.
“I think they're going to come pretty hard at us like they do, that's their style of play,” added Nitschke.
“We're going to have to be really tight, particularly in the powerplay with the ball. I think we've still had some areas of the game that we need to tighten up on because I think they'll really exploit that if we don't.”
India head into the game ahead of New Zealand on net run rate but know that a win would pile the pressure on the White Ferns before they play Pakistan on Monday.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has urged her side to relish the occasion knowing it could be their last at the tournament
“It's a very important game for us and we definitely need a strong mind to play this game because it's the last league game,” she said.
“I think we just need to go there and enjoy our cricket. I know it's an important game, just keeping yourself in the present and seeing what is required for the team and playing accordingly, I think that's more important.”
ENDS