Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, has passed a crucial fitness test, offering a significant boost to the team’s preparations for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semi-final against India. Healy had been sidelined for the last two league games due to a calf injury sustained during a practice session. On Thursday in Mumbai, she showed positive signs of recovery by engaging in wicket-keeping drills and a full net session, where she confidently faced net bowlers. Beth Mooney, who capably assumed wicket-keeping responsibilities during Healy’s absence, expressed her confidence in Healy’s readiness and her vital role in the team. Head coach Shelley Nitschke had earlier shared a similar optimistic outlook, emphasizing continuous assessment leading up to the semi-final. Healy has been in sensational form in the tournament, accumulating 294 runs from four innings at an impressive average of 98 and a striking strike rate of 131.25. Her explosive 142 against India, their semi-final rivals, was a highlight. The potential return of their skipper is set to bolster the defending champions’ chances in the crucial semi-final scheduled for Navi Mumbai.
