WPL 2024 Debut Delayed: Lauren Cheatle Sidelined After Skin Cancer Treatment

Australian pacer Lauren Cheatle's WPL 2024 debut with the Gujarat Giants is halted after undergoing surgery for skin cancer on her neck. The setback, adding to her injury-prone career, sidelines Cheatle for the remaining WNCL matches and the entire WPL season. Gujarat Giants seek a replacement for the upcoming season.

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Australian pacer Lauren Cheatle faces a setback as she withdraws from WPL 2024 due to skin cancer treatment. Cheatle, known for her injury struggles, underwent surgery on Wednesday, January 31, to remove cancer from her neck. This unfortunate incident extends her history of surgeries, having previously gone under the knife in 2021 for a similar operation on her leg. Her absence will impact the remaining Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) matches for New South Wales and the entirety of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2024.

Cricket NSW stated, "Cheatle aims to return to training post the players' scheduled off-season break." Despite recently making her Test debut against India in December 2023, Cheatle's dream WPL debut with the Gujarat Giants is now deferred. The 25-year-old left-arm pacer looks to make a comeback during the off-season, targeting readiness for the season starting in September.

Having debuted for Australia in ODIs and T20Is in 2017, Cheatle's career has been marred by injuries, including three shoulder reconstructions. With only four ODIs and seven T20Is under her belt, the surgery will also force her to miss the upcoming Australia Women vs. South Africa Women one-off Test.

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Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants, finishing last in the inaugural WPL season, face challenges. They are now on the lookout for a replacement to bolster their fast bowling lineup as they kick off their second-season campaign against the defending champions Mumbai Indians on February 25.

The Gujarat Giants squad for WPL 2024 includes notable names like Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and Laura Wolvaardt, emphasizing the team's determination for a stronger performance this season.