Sutherland replaces injured Healy in World T20 fight

Australia have eased an injury worry ahead of their final group match at the T20 World Cup against South Africa, with Annabel Sutherland coming on for Alyssa Healy, who is out with a quad problem.

The defending champions opted to bowl against the hosts at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Saturday, but were without Healy, their group stage leading run-scorer, as they attempted to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Cricket Australia said Healy was ruled out “with some awareness of the left quadriceps after a heavy workload on returning to the game from a significant calf injury”.

Beth Mooney will assume wicketkeeping responsibilities in Healy’s absence.

Mooney had kept wicket during the Pakistan series at home that preceded the World Cup as Healy recovered from a calf injury sustained during December’s tour of India.

The game against South Africa, the second game of Saturday’s doubles game in Gqeberha, marks Sutherland’s first appearance at this World Cup.

South Africa has also made a change, with Ayabonga Khaka making way for Masabata Klaas.

The last time the two sides met at a T20 World Championship, Australia clinched a five-round DLS victory in the rain-soaked semifinals of their winning season at home.

Conditions in Gqeberha were largely wet for most of the day.

There were intermittent light showers during the first game of the day, which saw England beat India by 11 runs.

Australia: Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Shabnam Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba.