Sydney, Jan 11 (IANS) Australia captain Alyssa Healy is set to resume wicket keeping duties in the opening ODI of the Ashes series against England at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
After battling a series of injuries over the past few months, Healy confirmed her readiness to take the gloves again during a practice session less than 24 hours before the much-anticipated match.
Healy, who has been nursing a knee injury since November, expressed relief and excitement about her return. “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t any doubt, particularly after a rough couple of months,” Healy was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “But everything’s progressed as we hoped. I’m feeling really good and confident to get out there and do the job.”
Her commitment to the team is unwavering. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I felt like I was going to let the team down. I’m really excited to get back out there tomorrow,” she added.
Healy’s recent injury history has been challenging. In October, she ruptured her plantar fascia during the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. This was followed by a knee injury while representing the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL, sidelining her from Australia’s ODI series against India. On the subsequent tour of New Zealand, Healy played solely as a batter, with Beth Mooney stepping in as wicketkeeper.
Despite her optimism, Healy acknowledged the intense schedule of seven matches, including a four-day Test, within 22 days might require some rotation.
“I’d love to keep in every game, but we’ll see how the body goes,” she said. Australia have prepared for any contingencies, with Mooney as the backup wicketkeeper and young batter Georgia Voll, who has impressed in recent outings, ready to step up if needed
Voll’s stellar performances, including a century and an average of 86.50 in her first three ODIs, have cemented her as a dependable option. She showcased her adaptability by opening alongside Healy in a warm-up game and could slot in as a batter or fielder if Healy needs rest.
Meanwhile, Australia face a decision between selecting Darcie Brown, a quick bowler, or Georgia Wareham as an additional spinner for the opener.
England, too, face selection challenges, particularly with pacer Kate Cross’s fitness under scrutiny. Cross has been recovering from a bulging disc in her back that required an epidural over Christmas. England captain Heather Knight revealed that a final decision on Cross’s inclusion would depend on her performance in the pre-match training session.
“Crossy’s struggling a little bit with a back issue. She’ll have a bowl today, and we’ll make a decision post-training,” Knight said.
England boast other seam options, including Lauren Bell, who claimed 12 wickets during the South Africa tour, and Lauren Filer, whose speed and bounce add a new dimension to their attack. Knight praised Filer’s growth since her impactful debut in the 2023 Ashes Test, where she troubled Australia with her pace.
“She bowls wicket-taking balls and ruffles feathers. That’s what we want her to do,” Knight said.
–IANS
hs/ab
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
