Two knee reconstructions and a dislocated shoulder have taught teenage tearaway Tayla Vlaeminck, who is on the cusp of debuting for Australia, the value of patience.
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Australia, eyeing a 3-0 sweep in their women's Twenty20 series against New Zealand, may unleash Vlaeminck in Friday's final game.
Vlaeminck's recent quad injury could count against her in the selection debate but it's seemingly a matter of when the 19-year-old will play for her country, not if.
The Victorian's bouncer, express pace and unique action, self-described as "limbs and joints going everywhere", have been turning heads for years.
But injuries have stalled the fastest and most inexperienced bowler in Australia's squad, who notably is yet to play in the women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
"I've had a lot of support. Cricket Victoria backed me in when I was injured, they still gave me a contract with the Renegades," Vlaeminck told AAP.
"I was still around the WBBL group, learning lots while running drinks.
"It was a bit of a shock when I first did my knee (in 2015). I got through it all, played one game then I did the same knee again while bowling, it was tough."
Vlaeminck was told she required another reconstruction but must wait as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was partly torn.
The right-armer was given the green light to continue bowling until it completely popped.
Rather than sulk she helped Victoria win the ensuing under-18 championships.
"I had a lot of scar tissue from the first one but I still had enough stability that I could try to put a roll of tape on it and bowl a few overs," she said.
"It wasn't ideal, I wasn't great in the field."
The first ACL setback served as a sliding-doors moment for Vlaeminck, who had been in the middle of a tug-of-war between cricket and soccer.
Vlaeminck's cricket career only started in Bendigo as a bowler in the nets for older brother James.
She didn't play competitively until a local coach spotted her steaming in and suggested trying out for the region's under-14 squad.
The world game was her first passion.
"Soccer ended a while ago, not through choice but dodgy knees," Vlaeminck said.
Vlaeminck noted that an international debut would be a dream but there's otherwise still plenty to be gained from her call-up.
Ellyse Perry, who has mentored Vlaeminck this year, is among many good judges impressed with her pace.
"She's incredibly exciting ... she's going to take a lot of people by surprise," Perry said.
Australian Associated Press
