Australia Postpones Decision on Healy's Fitness for Ashes Test

Melbourne, Jan 28 (NationPress) Australia is anxiously awaiting the fitness status of captain Alyssa Healy for the monumental day-night Women's Ashes Test against England, commencing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this Thursday. Despite dealing with a stress injury in her foot that sidelined her for the entire T20I series while in a moon boot, Healy managed to complete a full training session just two days prior.

During Australia's main training session at the MCG, she exhibited no signs of discomfort or limitations in her right foot.

Healy began her training 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 then engaged in short sprints and fielding drills, navigating the outfield without any issues. She concluded her practice with an extensive batting session in the nets, facing pace, spin, and throwdowns, managing all without discomfort.

Prior to the session, coach Shelley Nitschke indicated that no decision had been reached regarding Healy’s availability. The team management plans to evaluate her recovery before making a final decision.

"She's progressing as well as can be expected. I think you’ve all noticed her in a boot and taking some weight off that foot," Nitschke mentioned. "She will undergo a test today, and we will see how that goes and discuss whether we believe she will be fit for a four-day Test."

Nitschke stated they would aim to delay the decision as long as possible, while being cautious about creating role confusion due to Healy's pivotal position as captain and senior batter.

"We don’t have to finalize it until the toss," Nitschke explained. "However, there are implications concerning who will captain and the makeup of our lineup. Players prefer to know their roles ahead of time, so we will inform them as soon as we can, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be today."

Nitschke reiterated the importance of making the best decision for the team, ensuring they field the strongest lineup possible.

"Our priority is always what’s best for the team and ensuring we present the best squad to perform," Nitschke added.

"It’s an emotional situation since we play so few Tests, but we aim to do what’s best for the team and see how things develop."

Nitschke confirmed that Ashleigh Gardner is fit to play following her recovery from a calf injury. Gardner completed her running, batting, and bowling exercises without any problems and is anticipated to be a crucial player, following her match-winning contributions in the third ODI and the 2023 Ashes Test in England.

Nitschke also expressed uncertainty about Australia’s lineup for the day-night Test. Although spin has been vital to Australia’s six victories in the white-ball series, the MCG has been recognized as one of the most seam-friendly pitches in long-form cricket since the drop-in wickets were updated in 2019.

The pitch remained covered throughout Tuesday evening, preventing either team from inspecting it prior to the match.

"We definitely analyze how the pitch has performed in both Shield and Test matches, as well as the implications of the pink ball on the game," Nitschke stated.

"We take into account the results and how the wicket has functioned in the men's game since there has been no female longer format played here. We also consider what has transpired in the white-ball series and various insights to see how we match up," Nitschke concluded.