Aussie Captain Healy Declares She's Ready for MCG Test, Cross Out for England
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Synopsis
Alyssa Healy is ready to play in the historic day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, while England's Kate Cross is ruled out due to a back injury. Healy had previously struggled with a foot injury but has shown excellent recovery and is optimistic about her performance. The final lineups for both teams are yet to be confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Alyssa Healy feels ready to play despite recent injury.
- Kate Cross is ruled out for England due to a back issue.
- Healy participated fully in training, showing no pain.
- Australia's final XI is still undecided.
- Both teams aim for strong performances in the Ashes Test.
Melbourne, Jan 29 (NationPress) Alyssa Healy has confidently stated that she is "good to go" for the momentous day-night Ashes Test at the MCG, commencing on Thursday, with Australia's lineup still to be finalized ahead of the match.
Healy had been dealing with a stress injury in her foot, which led her to miss the entire T20I series while in a moon boot. Speaking to the media during Wednesday's pre-game press conference, the Aussie captain expressed her optimism for the four days of Test cricket ahead.
"I'm good to go. We'll finalize the XI shortly... but I feel ready, so we'll see how it unfolds," Healy remarked. "The final lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, but I’m here without a moon boot, stating I’m prepared to play."
On Tuesday, Healy fully participated in Australia's major training session at the MCG, exhibiting no signs of pain or limitations in her right foot.
She started with a running session alongside six teammates, including Ashleigh Gardner, who is recovering from a calf injury. Both athletes performed well, completing several high-intensity laps around the MCG. Healy continued with short sprints and took part in fielding drills, demonstrating no issues.
Following that, Healy engaged in an extensive batting practice in the nets, facing pace, spin, and throwdowns, managing all without discomfort.
"I have been pleasantly surprised each day by how well my foot has responded. I was pushed pretty hard yesterday... and we intentionally did that to test my limits, and I’ve come through really well, so I’m feeling optimistic moving forward," she added.
Gardner, who also missed the T20Is due to a minor calf problem, trained fully and has received clearance to participate in the Test.
In contrast, England faced a setback with fast bowler Kate Cross being ruled out of the MCG Test.
Cross has not recovered from the back injury that kept her from participating during the ODI segment of the ongoing Ashes series against Australia, and she is likely to be replaced in England's XI by fellow fast bowler Ryana MacDonald-Gay or back-up batter Sophia Dunkley.
Australia Test squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
England Test squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
