Sydney, Jan 11 (NationPress) Australia captain Alyssa Healy is poised to take on wicketkeeping responsibilities in the inaugural ODI of the Ashes series against England at North Sydney Oval this Sunday.
After facing a range of injuries in recent months, Healy has confirmed her readiness to don the gloves again during a practice session held less than 24 hours prior to the eagerly awaited match.
Healy, who has been dealing with a knee injury since November, shared her relief and excitement regarding her return. “I’d be lying if I claimed there wasn’t any doubt, especially after a tough couple of months,” Healy stated, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. “However, everything has progressed as we hoped. I’m feeling really good and confident to get out there and fulfill my role.”
Her dedication to the team remains steadfast. “I wouldn’t be participating if I thought I might let the team down. I’m genuinely thrilled to get back out there tomorrow,” she added.
Healy’s recent injury journey has been arduous. In October, she suffered a ruptured plantar fascia during a T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. This was succeeded by a knee injury while playing for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL, which kept her out of Australia’s ODI series against India. During the subsequent tour of New Zealand, Healy played only as a batter, with Beth Mooney taking over the wicketkeeping duties.
Despite her positive outlook, Healy recognized that the demanding schedule of seven matches, which includes a four-day Test, over 22 days may necessitate some rotation.
“I’d love to keep in every game, but we’ll assess how my body feels,” she mentioned. Australia has prepared for any unexpected scenarios, with Mooney as the backup wicketkeeper and young batter Georgia Voll, who has shown great potential in recent performances, ready to step in if necessary.
Voll’s impressive outings, including a century and an average of 86.50 in her initial three ODIs, have established her as a reliable choice. She demonstrated her versatility by opening alongside Healy in a warm-up game and could fill in as a batter or fielder if Healy requires a break.
Meanwhile, Australia must decide between selecting Darcie Brown, a fast bowler, or Georgia Wareham as an additional spinner for the opener.
England also faces selection dilemmas, particularly with pacer Kate Cross’s fitness in question. Cross has been recovering from a bulging disc in her back that necessitated an epidural during Christmas. England captain Heather Knight stated that a final decision on Cross’s participation will hinge on her performance in the pre-match training session.
“Crossy is facing some challenges with her back issue. She’ll bowl today, and we’ll make a decision post-training,” Knight noted.
England has other seam options available, including Lauren Bell, who took 12 wickets during the South Africa tour, and Lauren Filer, whose speed and bounce add a fresh dynamic to their attack. Knight commended Filer’s development since her impactful debut in the 2023 Ashes Test, where she caused problems for Australia with her pace.
“She delivers wicket-taking deliveries and unsettles the opposition. That’s precisely what we want her to do,” Knight remarked.
