New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Australia is gearing up to defend its championship title at the Women’s World Cup, with captain Alyssa Healy expressing her commitment to leading the team during the event.

Following a stellar performance in 2022, highlighted by Healy’s remarkable 170-run display in the final against the then-reigning champions, England, Australia is more determined than ever.

Under Healy’s guidance, the world's top-ranked team arrives in the subcontinent, armed with history, form, and the drive to succeed.

Healy emphasized that she does not take the captaincy lightly, stating that she is “driven for success” as the team embarks on its quest for a record-extending eighth World Cup title.

In an interview with JioStar, Healy shared her thoughts on leadership and managing pressure, saying, “I'm focused on the job at hand, which is to lead the side to an ODI World Cup. I don’t take it for granted, but I’m driven for success in this tournament, so it’s an interesting balance. Everyone wants to beat Australia, but we stay composed under pressure and fight back when our backs are against the wall. That’s how we wrestle the momentum back in our favour.”

Middle-order batter Beth Mooney discussed Australia’s mindset heading into the tournament, asserting, “As Australians, we have that never-say-die attitude. We are always in the contest and believe we can win from any position. The will to win and the belief within this group is what gets the job done.”

Star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland shared insights on the champions’ confidence and momentum, stating:

“The winning mindset is always about belief. A game can change very quickly; it just takes one moment. Having done that many times before, we have confidence in ourselves to do it again.”

Georgia Wareham, who returned to the team after an injury, expressed her excitement about playing this year, particularly in India with its vibrant fans. She remarked, “I think what defines this team is its ruthlessness.”

“We’ve often been in trouble, but different people have stood up at different times and pulled us through. Alyssa leads with passion and so much energy behind the stumps; it’ll be exciting to see her at this World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Healy’s deputy, Tahlia McGrath, who plays a pivotal role in the XI, commented on their leadership dynamics, saying, “Alyssa and I are very different people, but we complement each other well on the field. She’s extremely passionate and vocal, while I try to be the calm head in the background. It’s nice to have that balance and work alongside her. And Megan Schutt, she’s super consistent, super reliable, and bowls the toughest overs. She flies under the radar for how good she is. Off the field, she’s our team DJ and definitely the cool one.”

Australia will kick off their World Cup journey against New Zealand on Wednesday at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

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