Alyssa Healy Named as Batter Only in Australia's Ashes Test Squad

Synopsis

Australia has named Alyssa Healy as a batter only for the day-night Ashes Test against England at the MCG, starting January 30. The squad remains the same as the initial ODIs, with a chance for Georgia Voll to debut. This match marks the MCG's first day-night Test and first women's Test since 1948-49.

Key Takeaways

Alyssa Healy will play as a batter only.
The Test begins on January 30 at the MCG.
The squad includes players from the first three ODIs.
Georgia Voll could make her Test debut.
This will be the first day-night Test at the MCG.

Melbourne, Jan 23 (NationPress) Australia has announced that captain Alyssa Healy will serve as a batter only in the upcoming day-night Ashes Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which is set to begin on January 30. The team includes the same 13 players who competed in the first three ODIs, with Georgia Voll from Queensland eyeing her Test debut. This match will mark the inaugural day-night Test at the MCG and the first women’s Test held there since 1948-49.

The wicketkeeper-batter Healy missed the initial T20I of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to a stress reaction in the same foot she injured during the T20 World Cup. Beth Mooney will assume the wicketkeeping duties for the Test match. Should Healy be unable to play, Tahlia McGrath would take over as captain.

Shawn Flegler, Cricket Australia’s Head of Performance (Women’s Cricket) and National Selector, stated: “We’re satisfied with the performance of the 13 players who have participated in the series so far and believe this squad provides diverse options for the Test team composition.”

“Alyssa has been included in the squad solely as a batter, and we will allow her ample time to demonstrate her fitness prior to the match.”

All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is expected to recover from her calf strain in time for the Test, though her participation in the final T20I in Adelaide remains uncertain, leading to the addition of Heather Graham as cover. “Ash will be evaluated daily, and her eligibility for the third T20 remains in question. Currently, she is on track to be available for the Test match,” Flegler said. “This is a fairly seasoned squad that has faced India and South Africa in Tests over the past couple of years, and we believe they can defeat England over four days.

“There’s no greater occasion than a pink-ball Test at the MCG, and the team is undoubtedly focused on claiming the four points at stake.”

Megan Schutt has once again been included in the Test squad, despite previously suggesting she might retire from the format. However, the pink-ball day-night aspect of this match could see her considered for the final lineup. Another decision to be made is whether to include both Alana King and Georgia Wareham, who have been particularly challenging for England in the limited-overs series.

Australia's squad for the Ashes Test: Alyssa Healy (capt), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.