‘Scary point in my career’: Lauren Cheatle to miss out on WPL debut following surgery to remove skin cancer

Lauren Cheatle’s luckless run has continued, with the Australian quick set to miss out on the Women’s Premier League following surgery.

Fast bowler Lauren Cheatle will miss the Women’s Premier League and the rest of the domestic cricket season after she had a skin cancer removed from her neck on Wednesday.

It’s a devastating blow for the popular left-arm quick who made her Test debut in India last December and was set to return to the subcontinent for the WPL after she was picked up by Gujarat for $55,000 at last year’s auction.

Cheatle, 25, has endured a wretched run of injuries, with four shoulder reconstructions keeping her off the field, while she also dealt with a skin cancer scare back in 2021 when she noticed a lump on her leg.

She said at the time how lucky she was to get that checked out so early, although she did have to spend time in hospital after the wound got infected.

Cheatle now faces a significant recovery period given where the surgery took place in her neck, with the seamer incredibly taking three wickets for NSW on Tuesday just a day before the planned procedure.

Lauren Cheatle was in action for NSW a day before her procedure. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

“NSW Breakers fast bowler Lauren Cheatle will miss the remainder of the domestic cricket season and the WPL after undergoing a medical procedure on her neck to remove a skin cancer yesterday,” a Cricket NSW statement read.

“Cheatle is aiming to return to training with NSW following the players’ scheduled off-season break.”

Cheatle spoke about her health battles in November ahead of an incredible WBBL campaign in which she took 21 wickets in 14 matches – tied with Ash Gardner for the most by a Sixers player last season.

Cheatle played for Australia A last year. Picture: Ashley Allen - ECB/ECB

“My body’s been through a lot and I’ve been through that journey, but I’m super excited to get that call to head over to India,” she said.

“(The) fourth shoulder (reconstruction) was pretty difficult and also the cancer scare. I feel like that came out of nowhere and really readjusted the way I thought about injuries and recovery.

“That was a really scary point in my career, one I never thought I’d face … it’s one that will never go away.”