By Trisha Ghosal in Vizag
After India’s defeat to South Africa, the hosts now face defending champions Australia, a side that has yet to be properly tested in this World Cup. Australia, sitting comfortably on top of the table with five points from three games, have been clinical in patches but not flawless. Captain Alyssa Healy fronted the media in Vizag, addressing questions on form, balance, and what lies ahead in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Sophie Molineux available for selection
Healy confirmed that all-rounder Sophie Molineux is available for selection for the crucial India fixture, adding that her inclusion offers tactical depth in subcontinental conditions. “Yes, she’s available for selection. I’m not 100% sure of our final XI yet, but she’s definitely a great matchup, especially in these conditions and against this opposition,” Healy said. “It’s nice to have her back and available.” The left-arm spinner’s inclusion could strengthen Australia’s middle-overs control, particularly against India’s right-hand heavy batting order.
‘India have been a sleeping giant for long’
On the ever-intensifying rivalry between the two sides, Healy didn’t shy away from acknowledging India’s evolution. “The rivalry continues to grow. India have been a sleeping giant in the women’s game for a long time,” she said. “Since the WPL started, they’ve realised their depth and developed a clear style of play, especially in this format and stuck to it.”
Healy, however, emphasised that Australia won’t be singling out any one team as their biggest challenger. “They’re obviously a big threat in their home conditions, but every team here has pushed the other. That’s what makes this World Cup exciting.”
2017 memories and lessons
When asked about Harmanpreet Kaur’s famous 171 not out in the 2017 Derby semi-final, Healy chuckled. “I’ve forgotten a lot about that game, but you guys are pretty good at replaying it every chance you get,” she said with a laugh. “That loss made us rethink our standards and approach.”
For Healy, that defeat became a personal turning point. “It gave me the opportunity to open in the Ashes right after that World Cup, and I’ve been there since. It forced us to reassess, to lift our consistency. Teams are catching up, so we keep having those conversations, how to keep raising the bar.”
‘We’re allowed to lose games of cricket’
Australia’s captain remained calm when asked about the occasional defeats that come with expectations of dominance. “No, not really. We’re allowed to lose games of cricket,” Healy said matter-of-factly. “You’re going to be put under pressure in unfamiliar conditions, that’s part of World Cups.”
Her confidence in the team’s depth was unwavering. “Different players have stepped up every time, someone always says, ‘I’ve got this’. Of course, we’d like to fix a few things, but we see that as opportunity, not concern.”
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Toss and dew factor: ‘You can’t read too much into it’
Asked about the dew factor that has influenced several matches in the tournament, Healy was pragmatic. “There’s been a lot of talk about bowling first, but it’s 50-50, you’ll lose the toss sometime, and you’ve still got to do your job,” she said. “Yes, dew can make it slide on, but it also brings swing into play for our pacers. Either way, there are opportunities.”
Adapting on the road
Constant travel and quick turnarounds have tested teams’ adaptability, but Healy sees it as part of the World Cup’s challenge. “That’s what makes this tournament unique. You can’t settle, you get one shot in new conditions. It’s up to us to assess quickly and back our XI,” she noted.
Batting collapses and top-order responsibility
Discussing the spate of batting collapses seen across teams, Healy suggested that pressure, not pitch, has been the main cause. “The wickets have still been good. Maybe it’s just a bit of pressure creeping in,” she said. “It’s on our top order to make the bulk of the runs. I think both sides will say the same thing.”
She also touched upon balancing aggression and caution in the powerplay.
“The powerplay is still crucial. If you can get off to a good start, it sets the tone. We won’t change our intent — just read conditions better and make smarter decisions.”
“No extra pressure — just another opportunity”
With India desperate to bounce back, Healy said the defending champions were focused on execution, not emotion. “No extra pressure at all. We’ve come here with a job to do, and that hasn’t changed,” she said. “Watching India against South Africa gave us some insight into the conditions. It’s a sold-out crowd tomorrow, which is amazing. Hopefully, a few Aussie fans show up too.”
A leader shaped by time
Reflecting on her journey across four World Cups, Healy smiled. “My first World Cup, I was running drinks. It’s definitely got more stressful, maybe a few grey hairs too,” she said. “But I still enjoy it. That’s what being an elite athlete is, testing yourself against the best.”
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