Hunter, Ferling recovering from injury

Australia Women pacers Julie Hunter and Holly Ferling are undergoing rehabilitation for injuries picked up at the Women's World T20 in March-April in Bangladesh. While Hunter, 30, is recovering from a fractured thumb - which required surgery - 18-year-old Ferling has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the lower back.

Cricket Australia's chief medical officer, Justin Paoloni, pointed to Ferling's age as a contributing factor to her injury. "Holly had scans following her return to Australia after the Women's World T20. She has experienced ongoing lower back pain and her age, developing bones and the fact that she's a fast bowler are all contributing factors.

"Holly is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation and will not be available for selection for the series against Pakistan in late August. We are gearing her rehabilitation towards being available for selection later this year."

Hunter's injury was also revealed only on her return to Australia, Paoloni said. "Julie suffered a knock to her left thumb during the [tournament]. Since returning to Australia, an X-ray revealed that she had sustained a fracture in her left thumb, which required surgery. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to be available for selection for the series against Pakistan."

Ferling had played three games at the World T20, picking up just one wicket but finishing with a tidy economy rate of 5.14. Hunter had played four games, including the semi and the final.