Tayla Vlaeminck’s anticipated return to the cricket field for the Weber WBBL|11 season has been thwarted, as the Australian fast bowler faces further recovery time following shoulder surgery. The 26-year-old, known for her blistering pace, will not be able to join the Melbourne Renegades when the season kicks off on November 9, due to setbacks in her rehabilitation process.
Vlaeminck and the Australian medical team had hoped she would make her comeback this season after dislocating her right shoulder during Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign in October 2024. However, her recovery has not progressed as expected, forcing her to miss yet another season.
Medical Challenges and Setbacks
The Australian Women’s Team physiotherapist, Kate Beerworth, explained the situation in a statement, saying,
“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, as she navigates a challenging cycle of injuries and rehabilitation. Vlaeminck expressed her disappointment, stating,
“I’m obviously shattered about missing out. My shoulder’s just not loving bowling at the moment. There’s not much we can do about that.”
A History of Injuries
Vlaeminck’s career has been marred by injuries, with this latest setback adding to a long list. After a successful stint with the Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL|07, she signed a two-year deal with the Renegades but missed the 2022-23 season due to a navicular stress fracture in her right foot. This was the same injury that kept her out of the 2020 T20 World Cup.
Her return to international cricket came in March 2024 during Australia’s tour of Bangladesh, but her participation in the T20 World Cup was cut short when she dislocated her shoulder in a match against Pakistan. Vlaeminck has played just 21 state and Big Bash games and 13 international matches since February 2020.
Support and Future Prospects
Despite her injuries, Vlaeminck has received consistent support from Cricket Australia, retaining her national contract. She appreciates the backing, saying,
“I think the whole way through, CA has been amazing. Even offering me the contract this year after not having played a lot of cricket, that was massive for me.”
National selector Shawn Flegler has ruled out Vlaeminck’s participation in the current ODI World Cup in India but remains hopeful for her involvement in next year’s T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Renegades’ Strategy Without Vlaeminck
The Melbourne Renegades will rely on their young bowlers to fill the void left by Vlaeminck. They have recently signed CA-contracted pace-bowling allrounder Tess Flintoff and 18-year-old left-armer Sara Kennedy. Milly Illingworth, Sarah Coyte, and West Indian Deandra Dottin will also play crucial roles in the team’s quest for back-to-back titles.
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten emphasized Vlaeminck’s importance to the team, saying,
“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. Her long-term health and readiness to perform at her best remain the priority.”
As Vlaeminck continues her recovery, the Renegades and Cricket Australia remain committed to supporting her journey back to full fitness, ensuring that she returns stronger and ready to make her mark in future competitions.
