Just a day before the start of the women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, Tayla Vlaeminck, the host country’s seamer has withdrawn injured.

21-year-old Vlaeminck has suffered a stress fracture in her foot and has been forced to withdraw from the Australian side, coming agonisingly close to playing at her first T20 World Cup. She would have been a key member of the Australian side with her extra pace set to bolster the bowling line up.

Coach Matthew Mott has called up the Women’s Big Bash top wicket-taker Molly Strano to replace Vlaeminck. However, Mott will have been forced to change his approach for the tournament as Strano is not a like for like replacement for Vlaeminck.

Speaking after the announcement was made, head coach Mott said he believed Vlaenick would return to the Australia side stronger in future and would have more World Cup opportunities.

“Tayla has been in brilliant form of late and established herself as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket.

"No-one ever wants to see a player miss a major tournament in these circumstances, but I have no doubt she will bounce back and play a leading role in Australian squads for many years to come.”

Sky Sports heard from Vlaeminck’s Australian teammate Rachael Haynes who said the team had been affected by the news that the 21-year-old would miss out on the home tournament.

“Obviously we really feel for Tayla. It's pretty heartbreaking having to withdraw so close to the tournament.

"She is obviously an important part of our attack too. She is going to be a loss but we have Molly coming in to take her place.

"She has had a tremendous summer in Australia playing some really good cricket for Victoria and then for Melbourne Renegades, too,” Haynes said.