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Alyssa Healy's Return: How Australia's Captain Boosts World Cup Hopes

Australian captain Alyssa Healy is making strong progress in her recovery from a calf injury. She participated in full training sessions including wicket-keeping drills and batting practice. Healy has been in exceptional form this tournament, scoring 294 runs from just four matches. Her return would provide a major boost for Australia ahead of their crucial semi-final against India.

Key Points: Alyssa Healy Returns to Nets Ahead of India Semi-Final

  • Healy completed full wicket-keeping drills and batting session in Mumbai
  • Australian coach expressed optimism about semi-final availability
  • Healy scored 294 runs at average of 98 in tournament
  • Her best performance was 142 runs against India earlier
  • Tahlia McGrath led team during Healy's injury absence
2 min read

Women's CWC: Alyssa Healy back in nets, defending champions Australia get major boost ahead of India semi-final

Australian captain Alyssa Healy returns to full training after calf injury, giving defending champions major boost ahead of Women's World Cup semi-final against India.

"We're really hopeful for the semi-final, but still a few days to play out before that. - Shelley Nitschke"

New Delhi, October 28

Alyssa Healy, who had suffered a calf injury during a training session ahead of her side's clash against England last week, has missed Australia's last two league stage games.

In Mumbai on Thursday, Healy gave positive indications that her recovery was progressing well, getting through a fitness test at the start of the session.

She then participated in wicket-keeping drills before undertaking a full net session, during which she was seen going big against the net bowlers, as per the ICC website.

After Australia's win over South Africa in Indore, head coach Shelley Nitschke had expressed hope of Healy regaining full fitness ahead of their semi-final.

"She wasn't quite up to it tonight, but she'll continue to be assessed," Nitschke had said after their seven-wicket win against South Africa. We're really hopeful for the semi-final, but still a few days to play out before that. And we're hopeful again, she'll just continue to be assessed the closer we get to that."

Healy has been in red-hot form for the defending champions, having scored 294 runs from just four outings so far in the World Cup, at an average of 98 and a strike-rate of 131.25.

Her best performance so far came against, incidentally, India - Australia's upcoming semi-final opponents - as she smashed a rollicking 142, comprised of 21 fours and three sixes. It helped Australia secure a record win.

Tahlia McGrath led Australia in Healy's absence, but the return of the skipper would be a major boost for the defending champions ahead of the semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Australia getting their star player back just before semi-final feels like typical Aussie luck! But our women's team has shown great spirit this tournament. Let's back Harmanpreet and team! 💪
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, it's great to see top players recovering from injuries. Healy's form has been incredible this WC - 294 runs at 98 average! Hope she's fully fit for a competitive match.
A
Arjun K
Honestly, I'm more concerned about our batting lineup than Healy's return. We need Smriti and Jemimah to fire from the start. The pressure is on us playing at home! 🏏
M
Meera T
Remember when we beat Australia in the 2017 semi-final? This team can do it again! Let's not get intimidated by one player. Our spinners can trouble any batter on Indian pitches.
D
David E
Coming back from calf injury in just a week seems risky. Even if Healy plays, she might not be 100%. Could work in India's favor if she's not at her explosive best.

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