Alex Hartley replaces Hayley Matthews in Hurricanes squad

Press Release

The Hobart Hurricanes can confirm Hayley Matthews injured her MCL (medial collateral ligament) in her right knee during last Sunday's match against the Melbourne Stars at West Park Oval in Burnie. She is expected to make a full recovery, however will require a period of 4-6 weeks rehabilitation.

WBBL Head Coach Salliann Briggs said the Hobart Hurricanes will throw their full support behind the 20-year-old all-rounder.

"I feel for Hayley as I know how much she loves playing for the Hurricanes. We're hopeful she'll be back to play for us later this season and we're all wishing for a speedy recovery."

English spinner and member of the 2017 ICC World Cup-winning side Alex Hartley will replace Matthews in the squad while she is sidelined. Briggs said both Hartley and the Hurricanes would adapt to the squad change smoothly .

"Alex gives us great options in and outside of the powerplay with her bowling, and has great experience at this level. She has been a key contributor in the WNCL and she'll be keen to do the same in the WBBL."

Hartley made her debut for Tasmania against Queensland in the Women's National Cricket League in November, and played in the Hurricanes' WBBL|04 season opener against the Perth Scorchers as an international replacement player.