Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke has indicated that star batter Phoebe Litchfield could make her return from a calf injury in the team's final group-stage match against India at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in London on Sunday. Litchfield sustained the injury while playing a match-winning knock against South Africa in Manchester earlier in the tournament and has missed Australia's last three matches, watching from the sidelines as the defending champions maintained an unbeaten run.
Litchfield's recovery and potential lineup changes
"I think Pheebs (Litchfield) is tracking really well and hopefully will be available for the India game," Nitschke told cricket.com.au on Wednesday, as quoted by the ICC. "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."
Young pacer Lucy Hamilton could be the player to make way for Litchfield's return. Nitschke also confirmed that all-rounder Grace Harris is in contention for a recall, given her experience at Lord's. "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."
Group stage implications for Australia and India
A win against India would ensure Australia finish top of their group and enter the semi-finals unbeaten, while a loss might still be enough to reach the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will face Bangladesh in a crucial Group A contest at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday. The much-anticipated Australia vs India match will be held at Lord's in London on Sunday.
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