England Star Danielle Gibson Sidelined by Back Injury, Set to Miss Domestic Cricket Season Opener

Injury Blow for England as Gibson Faces Extended Sideline

England women's cricket team's rising star Danielle Gibson will miss the beginning of the 2024 domestic season after scans confirmed a stress fracture in her back. The 23-year-old all-rounder reported discomfort during training camp preparations for England A's multi-format series against Australia A in Sydney.

Medical Details and Recovery Timeline

• Sustained during pre-tour conditioning drills
• MRI scan revealed significant structural damage
• Immediate return to UK for specialist rehabilitation
• Expected recovery period: 8-12 weeks minimum

Impact on Domestic Cricket

Gibson, who recently joined Somerset ahead of women's county cricket's relaunch, will now miss their opening matches in April. This comes as a major setback for the regional team that had built their strategy around her dual batting/pace bowling capabilities.

International Career Context

• 22 T20I caps for England since July 2023 debut
• Member of 2023 Ashes squad (unused)
• Key performer in The Hundred for Western Storm

Replacement Announced

Essex seamer Eva Gray has been called up as Gibson's replacement for England A's four-day match against Australia A concluding the tour. Gray brings impressive County Championship form to the developmental squad.

Rehabilitation Focus

England Cricket medical staff have outlined:

1. Initial rest period (4 weeks)
2. Gradual reintroduction to weight-bearing exercise
3. Cricket-specific movements only after full bone healing

This injury follows growing concerns about workload management in women's cricket, with back stress fractures becoming increasingly common among pace bowlers.