Overview
- Australia confirmed on Wednesday that Phoebe Litchfield and Ashleigh Gardner were unavailable for the Leeds game, with Grace Harris and Megan Schutt drafted into the playing XI.
- Litchfield failed a fitness test with an acute quad injury and is likely to miss the Netherlands and Pakistan group games while aiming to be fit for the India match at Lord’s on June 28.
- Gardner was ruled out with a sprained ankle but captain Sophie Molineux said she is expected to be ready for Australia’s next fixture.
- Ellyse Perry returned to bowling and took 2-14 before finishing 19 not out as Australia chased 78 with nine wickets in hand, underscoring the team’s depth and tactical flexibility.
- The changes underline Australia’s pre-tournament workload and selection strategy for English conditions and make Litchfield’s recovery the key thing to watch for the balance of the group stage.