Women’s T20 WC: Australia may get Litchfield boost ahead of blockbuster India clash

Star batter Phoebe Litchfield is on track to return from a quad injury for Australia’s high-stakes T20 World Cup clash against India at Lord's, handing head coach Shelley Nitschke a major selection headache

London: Australia could receive a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s T20 World Cup clash against India with star batter Phoebe Litchfield set to return from injury, and it could hand the six-time champions a significant edge in the high-stakes encounter.

Litchfield suffered a calf injury during the match against South Africa in Manchester earlier in the tournament and missed the last three games, though the Aussies remained unbeaten.

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Coach Shelley Nitschke indicated that Litchfield might return for Australia’s final group-stage clash at Lord’s against Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.

“I think Pheebs (Litchfield) is tracking really well and hopefully will be available for the India game,” Nitschke was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Litchfield’s return could force Australia into a selection rejig, admitted Nitschke.

“And then, that’s going to be a really tough call — Pheebs is likely to come back into that No. 3 position, so then we’ve got some decisions to make on what the set-up looks like and how to structure up. But obviously someone has come out for her,” she said.

Nitschke, however, said Litchfield is returning at the right time, with the left-hander poised to slot back into her preferred No. 3 position.

Litchfield’s comeback could trigger a reshuffle in the lineup, with veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry likely to move down to No. 4 despite her outstanding all-round display against Pakistan, where she blasted 71 runs and claimed two wickets.

The batter’s inclusion would also mean Australia must leave out one player from the playing XI.

Young pacer Lucy Hamilton appears the frontrunner to make way, while Nitschke revealed that experienced all-rounder Grace Harris is also in contention for a recall, with her familiarity with Lord’s from her stint in The Hundred potentially working in her favour.

“She (Harris) has played at Lord’s quite a bit with the London Spirit, so she certainly throws her hat into the ring as well,” Nitschke said. “She’s been really unlucky so we’ve certainly got some options.”

A win over India would ensure Australia finish atop their group and head into the semifinals with a perfect record, while even a defeat may not be enough to derail their campaign, as the six-time champions are well-placed to secure a spot in the knockout stages.