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Tayla Vlaeminck's Comeback After 16 Months! Set to Return in 'Green vs Gold' Match
Sydney: Australian fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck is finally ready to make her return to the field following a lengthy injury layoff. She is set to feature in the three-day 'Green vs Gold' match taking place in Sydney next week.
Vlaeminck last played cricket during the opening match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, when she dislocated her right shoulder. This was followed by a long injury layoff spanning 16 months (approximately 545 days). She had hoped to play in this season's WBBL, but those plans were shelved as her recovery took longer than anticipated.
Now, the 27-year-old pacer has been named in the 'Green' team, captained by all-rounder Charli Knott. Meanwhile, the 'Gold' team will be led by Katie Mack (the recently named NSW Player of the Year). This match, played between established and emerging domestic players, is considered a crucial preparatory step for international cricket.
Speaking recently at the launch of the 2026-27 season schedule, Vlaeminck said:
"When returning from a long rehabilitation period, the rest of the body also needs time to adapt to the rigors of training; consequently, minor niggles tend to crop up from time to time. This has been a recurring theme throughout my career. However, I am feeling excellent right now. It feels wonderful to be back bowling in the nets and stepping out of the gym environment. I am about to play cricket after nearly 16 months, so it is incredibly exciting. For such a long time, I was merely watching cricket from the sidelines; now, as the moment draws closer, I realize just how much I had missed it."
Vlaeminck's career has been plagued by injuries. She has dislocated her left shoulder twice, suffered stress fractures in her foot, and underwent two ACL surgeries even before making her international debut.
Despite making her Australia debut in 2018, she has played only 29 international matches so far.National Selector Shawn Flegler said:
"The three-day format is a crucial step in preparing players for the demands of international cricket, and it further strengthens our Australia A program."
Green and Gold Squad
Green Squad: Jemma Barsby, Sophie Day, Emma de Broughe, Milly Illingworth, Charli Knott (c), Eleanor Larosa, Claire Moore, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman, Callie Wilson, Tayla Vlaeminck
Gold Squad: Maddy Darke, Lucy Finn, Hasrat Gill, Sianna Ginger, Ella Hayward, Amy Hunter, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack (c), Lilly Mills, Courtney Neale, Frankie Nicklin, Olivia Porter, Courtney Webb
Note: No players from the Australian squad currently touring the West Indies are participating in this match.
