Darcie Brown ruled out of entire WBBL 2026 season with back injury

Australia pacer sidelined for Adelaide Strikers

Australia fast bowler Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the entire WBBL 2026 season due to a back injury, extending a difficult period on the sidelines for the 23-year-old.

Darcie Brown developed a disc issue after returning from Australia's A tour of India

Brown, who represents Adelaide Strikers in the competition, developed a disc issue after returning from Australia's A tour of India last month. She featured in two T20 matches and an unofficial ODI during that tour, claiming 3 for 39 in the second one-dayer against India 'A' in Mohali.

The injury subsequently ruled her out of Australia's ODI series against Bangladesh and the T20I series against New Zealand. Cricket Australia had initially hoped Brown would recover in time to feature in the latter stages of the WBBL, with national selector Shawn Flegler expressing optimism about her availability last month.

However, her recovery has not progressed sufficiently for her to resume training ahead of the tournament.

Cricket Australia statement

"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," Cricket Australia said in a statement on Monday. "As a result…she will be unable to return to full fitness in time for the upcoming WBBL season."

Despite the latest setback, Brown could still feature in Australia's plans for the Champions Trophy in the new year. Flegler had indicated last month that missing the WBBL would not necessarily affect her prospects of making the squad for the tournament. Brown was left out of Australia's T20 World Cup squad earlier this year.