Darcie Brown has been ruled out of WBBL|12, Cricket Australia said on Monday, 19 October 2026, with the Australia and Adelaide Strikers fast bowler still recovering from a back injury. The 23-year-old will not be able to play before the tournament ends on 5 December.
What Was Announced
Brown was diagnosed with a disc injury after returning from the Australia A tour of India late last month, which had already ruled her out of Australia's ODI series against Bangladesh. She spent three weeks resting, but the injury has not recovered.
"Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the Weber Women's Big Bash League due to an ongoing back injury," a CA statement said. "Brown was assessed following her return home from India last month, and following a period of de-loading, her injury has not yet recovered to a point where she is ready to resume training."
On the Australia A tour, Brown took 1/31 and 0/27 in two T20s in New Chandigarh and 3/39 from eight overs in the second one-dayer in Mohali.
The Strikers also confirmed on Monday that leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe has re-signed for a fourth season. The club has confirmed 13 of its 15 players for WBBL|12, including its three internationals:
- Maia Bouchier (England)
- Darcie Brown
- Emma de Broughe
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Ellie Johnston
- Eleanor Larosa
- Tahlia McGrath
- Anesu Mushangwe
- Bridget Patterson
- Maddie Penna
- Megan Schutt
- Amanda-Jade Wellington
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
What It Means
The Strikers lose a frontline quick for the season and will look to young bowlers including Eleanor Larosa alongside Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath, according to cricket.com.au. Brown, who was left out of Australia's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, had been aiming to push for a place at February's T20 Champions Trophy in India. Maia Bouchier and Emma de Broughe have joined the Strikers, while Tammy Beaumont and Jemma Barsby have left.
Source: Cricket Australia report.