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Darcie Brown ruled out of entire WBBL season with back disc injury

Australia fast bowler Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the entire Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season after a persistent back disc injury flared up during the national team’s tour of India. The 23-year-old, who had previously bowled at speeds up to 127.2 km/h, was sidelined from Australia’s bilateral series against Bangladesh and New Zealand due to the issue, despite performing strongly in two T20s and one ODI for Australia A, including a standout spell of 3 for 39 in Mohali.

Cricket Australia’s medical team had hoped she could recover in time for the second half of the WBBL, which runs from October 29 to December 5, but her condition has not improved following a de-loading rehabilitation program. Brown, who has represented Australia across all formats—including 6 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 41 T20 Internationals—remains a key target for the Women’s T20 Champions Trophy in India next February, with selectors aiming to restore her fitness ahead of that tournament.

Adelaide Strikers coach Luke Williams has noted her absence will be felt, though no replacement has been confirmed for the squad.

The injury first surfaced during the Australia A tour of India, where Brown’s pace remained effective despite the worsening condition. Her exclusion from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad earlier this year was partly attributed to the national team’s assessment that England’s conditions did not require her express bowling.

With the WBBL now out of reach, Brown’s focus shifts to a full recovery in time for the Champions Trophy, marking her next major international challenge.

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