South Australian and Melbourne Renegades cricketer Josie Dooley is confronting a significant health challenge after experiencing a stroke during a vacation in Hawaii last month. The 24-year-old underwent emergency surgery in Hawaii before being airlifted to Brisbane, her family’s hometown, where she remains hospitalized.
Dooley, a talented cricketer with a promising future, suffered the stroke due to hydrocephalus, a condition caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. Her immediate prognosis is uncertain, and her family has requested privacy during this time.
According to a statement from the South Australian Cricket Association, Dooley underwent treatment after the medical incident in Hawaii. She spent time in the neurosciences ICU at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu before being transferred to a neurosurgical ward. Once deemed fit to travel, she was evacuated to Brisbane for further medical care.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Dooley is making progress in her recovery and expresses gratitude for the support from her family, friends, and teammates.
Dooley, along with her teammate Emma de Broughe, had plans to visit India for training following the previous Australian summer. However, those plans were disrupted due to her health situation.
A former Australian under-16 representative, Dooley has achieved senior national honors and has been part of various cricket squads, including Australia’s under-19 team. She made her debut for Queensland in the Women’s National Cricket League before joining Brisbane Heat in the WBBL. Later, she switched to Melbourne Renegades and South Australia seeking more opportunities.
Dooley’s accomplishments extend beyond cricket, as she is also an avid surfer, which led her to Hawaii for a post-season break.
