Colombo, Sri Lanka: Australia captain Alyssa Healy has highlighted India as a “real threat” in the ongoing Women’s World Cup, despite her side holding a dominant record in head-to-head matches. The Aussies have won 48 out of 59 ODIs against India, but Healy feels that Harmanpreet Kaur’s side is rapidly closing the gap.
“I’ve said it previously that I feel like they’ve been almost a sleeping giant in the women’s game for a long period of time,” Healy said at a pre-match press conference. “It’s probably since the WPL has come into play that they’ve realised the depth they’ve got. They’ve figured out a style of play that they want to use, especially in this format. They’re really sticking to that, which I think has been really impressive to see.”
Healy stressed that India’s recent form in home conditions makes them a serious contender. She also reflected on Australia’s top-order struggles against Pakistan, where the defending champions were reduced to 76/7 before Beth Mooney’s century rescued them to 221/9.
“The wickets have still been good. Probably maybe a little bit of pressure has come into play at times and teams have got themselves into a little bit of a pickle. So, having to adapt quickly is going to be important,” Healy noted.
She emphasised the importance of a strong powerplay start, especially for herself and opening partner Phoebe Litchfield, who are yet to find their top form in the tournament, scoring 39 and 55 runs across two matches, respectively.
“Both of us at the top of the order are quite aggressive players, so we’re not exactly going to curb that at any point. It’s just probably making a few better decisions and taking a few smarter options, knowing and feeling the conditions,” she added.
Healy also addressed the pressure of performing in a World Cup, asserting that her team has the depth to handle tough situations. “We’re allowed to lose games in cricket. We’re allowed to be put under pressure at times, in particular in World Cups. … I’m confident our 11 players on the park are going to be able to get the job done.”
At 35, Healy is appearing in her third World Cup and is likely to captain Australia in what could be her final tournament. “Sitting in my fourth and probably last one as captain, it’s definitely made me a little bit more grey over the years. But it’s still enjoyable,” she reflected.
“That’s what you want to do as an elite athlete, is to test yourself against the best in the world. And that’s exactly what we get on this trip,” she concluded.
Alyssa Healy Warns Australia Not To Underestimate India In Women’s World Cup
