In what could be a big boost for Australia women’s cricket team, Phoebe Litchfield is all set to return to action in the team’s final group stage game of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against India on Sunday. The prolific batter picked up a calf injury in the team’s tournament opener against South Africa and subsequently missed the next three games. Australia, led by Sophie Molineux, are currently on top of the standings in Group A with 8 points to their name and have been unbeaten so far.
Litchfield to return for India clash?
Speaking to the media ahead of the INDW vs AUSW clash, Australia coach Shelley Nitschke informed that Phoebe has returned to the nets and will hopefully be available for the clash against India on Sunday. The coach hinted at changes to the playing XI, noting that Litchfield is likely to return to the line-up and bat at number 3. Phoebe Litchfield scored a 24-ball fifty in the tournament opener against South Africa before picking up an injury that forced her to miss the next three games. In her absence, Ellyse Perry was promoted to number 3.
“I think Pheebs (Litchfield) is tracking really well and hopefully will be available for the India game. And then, that’s going to be 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,” the Australia coach said.
Litchfield has played 34 T20Is to date, in which she has amassed 604 runs, including a highest score of an unbeaten 64-run knock. She featured in the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2024 where she played 5 matches and managed to score just 58 runs in 4 innings.
Meanwhile, Australia Women are all but confirmed to seal a spot in the semis as they are currently on top of the standings in Group A. A loss against India will do them no harm. As for the second semi-final spot from Group A, it is a three-way competition between India Women, Bangladesh Women and South Africa Women, with all three of them having four points to their name and two more games left in the group stage.
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