Tayla Vlaeminck’s much-anticipated return to the Weber Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has been postponed, as the Australian fast bowler continues her recovery from shoulder surgery. The 26-year-old was expected to make her comeback for the Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming WBBL|11 season, but her rehabilitation has not progressed as hoped.
Vlaeminck, who dislocated her right shoulder during the T20 World Cup in October 2024, has been unable to meet the physical demands required to return to competitive cricket. The WBBL season is set to begin on November 9, but Vlaeminck’s ongoing limitations have prevented her from completing her return-to-play plan.
Setbacks and Recovery
Australian Women’s Team physiotherapist, Kate Beerworth, explained the situation in a statement: “Following a right shoulder injury sustained during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup that required reconstruction surgery, Tayla’s recovery has been impacted by ongoing limitations, restricting her ability to progress her bowling and work through the end stages of her return to play plan.”
This marks the fourth consecutive WBBL season that Vlaeminck will miss due to injury. Her career has been plagued by a series of setbacks, including a navicular stress fracture in her right foot and surgery on her left shoulder, which have kept her off the field for extended periods.
“I’m obviously shattered about missing out,” Vlaeminck said. “My shoulder’s just not loving bowling at the moment. There’s not much we can do about that.”
Career Challenges and Support
Vlaeminck’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. After an impressive WBBL|07 season with the Hobart Hurricanes in 2021-22, she returned to her home state to join the Renegades. However, injuries have limited her appearances, with only 21 state and Big Bash games and 13 international matches played since February 2020.
Despite these challenges, Vlaeminck has received unwavering support from Cricket Australia, retaining her national contract throughout her recovery periods. “I think the whole way through, CA has been amazing,” Vlaeminck noted. “Even offering me the contract this year after not having played a lot of cricket, that was massive for me.”
“It’s obviously really hard at times, but also there are little ways to make it enjoyable on the way,” she added.
Future Prospects and Team Adjustments
National selector Shawn Flegler had previously ruled out Vlaeminck’s participation in the current ODI World Cup in India, but expressed hope for her involvement in next year’s T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Renegades are preparing to adapt to Vlaeminck’s absence by relying on their young pace bowlers. The team has signed CA-contracted allrounder Tess Flintoff and 18-year-old left-armer Sara Kennedy to bolster their squad. Milly Illingworth, Sarah Coyte, and West Indian Deandra Dottin will also play key roles as the Renegades aim for back-to-back titles.
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten emphasized Vlaeminck’s importance to the team, stating, “Tayla has been a valued member of the squad since re-joining us ahead of WBBL|08. We knew there was a possibility she might not be available this season given what she had sustained, and there’s been no pressure on her to rush that process.”
“We’ll continue to support Tayla alongside Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia as she works through her recovery,” Rosengarten added.
As Vlaeminck focuses on her long-term health and readiness, the cricket community remains hopeful for her eventual return to the pitch. Her journey serves as a testament to the challenges athletes face and the resilience required to overcome them.
