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Sixers can cover Perry loss: Healy

Sydney Sixers stand-in captain Alyssa Healy is confident the Sydney Sixers can win without injured allrounder Ellyse Perry

The absence of captain Ellyse Perry is a "huge blow" but not an insurmountable one for the Sydney Sixers in Wednesday's Rebel Women's Big Bash League semi-final, her stand-in Alyssa Healy says.

Perry, who has been in sizzling form all summer, will miss the clash with the Hobart Hurricanes due to a hamstring injury.

She is the third-highest scorer in the WBBL with 384 runs at an average of 38.4, including scores of 60 (off 54 balls) and 44 (44) against the Hurricanes earlier this season.

South African international Dane Van Niekerk, who returns to the Sixers squad alongside compatriot Marizanne Kapp after touring Bangladesh, is in line to replace her at the top of the order and open the batting with Healy.

Kapp rattles Mooney's stumps

"It's a huge loss for us - I'm a little rusty in the captaining department so it's been a bit of a change for me to try and lead the team," Healy said.

"She's a key player domestically and internationally.

"We're lucky enough that Marizanne and Dane have come back from Bangladesh and will strengthen our side again.

"Fingers crossed, we can cope."

The Hurricanes have never beaten the Sixers in five attempts but Healy is taking no comfort from that record.

"Coming into a semi-final that doesn't mean too much," she said.

"Their bowling attack is a little bit different to other teams out there, they've got a lot of spin, which is quite challenging on some of the wickets we play on.

"I think on a great Gabba wicket, hopefully that will work in our favour and we can get on top."

Healy's highlight reel torches Renegades

The match will be played on neutral territory in Brisbane as part of a double-header with the BBL semi-final.

While Healy said she was disappointed the Sixers wouldn't be playing at the SCG, Hobart captain Heather Knight understands the reasoning.

"It's a tricky one. The double-headers are the ones that have attracted the biggest crowds, that's quite important for growing the women's game," Knight said.

"I think at the moment it works well but in the future, who knows, they could split off and have their own semis."

Knight flays the Thunder bowling

Sydney Sixers: Alyssa Healy (c), Sarah Aley, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Jodie Hicks, Marizanne Kapp, Carly Leeson, Emily Leys, Sara McGlashan, Angela Reakes, Lauren Smith, Dane Van Niekerk.

Hobart Hurricanes: Heather Knight (c), Veronica Pyke (vc), Erin Burns, Erin Fazackerley, Corinne Hall, Brooke Hepburn, Katelyn Fryett, Julie Hunter, Hayley Matthews, Meg Phillips, Georgia Redmayne, Amy Satterthwaite, Emma Thompson.

 

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