Australia opener Beth Mooney has been ruled out of the remainder of the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) due to a calf injury that will require up to six weeks to heal.

Mooney, the captain of the Gujarat Giants, sustained the injury in the opening match of the tournament against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium on March 4.

While Mooney did return to training subsequently, she missed the next two matches and will now travel home for rehabilitation.

“I was really looking forward to the maiden WPL season with the Adani Gujarat Giants. But unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the sport and I am gutted to be missing the remainder of the season.

“I, however, will be keeping a close eye on the team’s performance from afar and will be rooting for them every single day. And though I will be away from the field of play for the rest of the season, I am looking forward to coming back stronger, fitter and I will definitely be hungrier next season. For now, I wish the Adani Gujarat Giants squad all the very best for the rest of the WPL season,” said Beth Mooney in a statement released by Gujarat Giants.

With Mooney out of the competition, Gujarat Giants have drafted in swashbuckling South African opener Laura Wolvaardt as replacement.

Wolvaardt was the top scorer for the Proteas in the recently held Women’s T20 World Cup, with three half-centuries from six matches. Her contribution played a major role in helping the South Africans reach the final of the tournament, where they lost to the eventual champions Australia.

Speaking on the occasion, Wolvaardt said, “I am so excited to be joining the Gujarat Giants. It is an incredible opportunity and I’m very grateful to be able to play in the WPL. I look forward to meeting up with the team and cannot wait to get going."