Will Healy Be Fit for the Semi-Final Against India?
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Synopsis
Australia's coach Shelley Nitschke shares optimism about Alyssa Healy's potential return for the Women's ODI World Cup semi-final. With a calf strain sidelining Healy, the team hopes the additional days will aid her recovery. Discover the implications of her absence and the performance of other players like Alana King in this crucial match.
Key Takeaways
- Alyssa Healy may return for the semi-final against India.
- She is recovering from a calf strain.
- Australia previously beat India by three wickets in group stages.
- Alana King set a record for best bowling figures in World Cup history.
- Coach Shelley Nitschke is optimistic about the team's performance.
Indore, Oct 26 (NationPress) Australia’s head coach Shelley Nitschke is feeling optimistic regarding Alyssa Healy’s potential return for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against India. The additional days leading up to the match may provide the injured captain with the opportunity to regain her fitness.
Alyssa, who is currently dealing with a calf strain, has missed Australia’s victories over England and South Africa at the Holkar Stadium. It remains uncertain whether she will be fit to participate in the critical match against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 30.
“She wasn’t quite ready (here), but she’ll keep being evaluated. We’re genuinely hopeful for the semi, yet there are still a few days to consider before then. We believe she’ll continue to be evaluated as we approach the match,” Shelley was quoted as saying by ICC on Sunday.
Previously, Australia triumphed over India by three wickets during the league phase of the World Cup, with Alyssa delivering an impressive performance of 142 runs as the defending champions chased a daunting total of 331 with an over to spare.
Even though leg-spinner Alana King did not take any wickets in that match in Visakhapatnam and only bowled six overs as India’s batters scored freely against her, Shelley acknowledged that she will deploy Alana differently in the upcoming game.
In the recent match, where South Africa was bowled out for a mere 97 runs, Alana showcased an exceptional performance, achieving figures of 7-18, setting a new record for the best bowling figures in the history of the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
“It’s a remarkable performance from Kingy, and I’m really pleased for her to accomplish this in a World Cup. I’m absolutely thrilled with how she’s bowled over the last couple of games,” Shelley remarked.
“It’s about how the game unfolds. She doesn’t typically bowl during the Powerplay, so once we get past that, it’s about the batsmen and their matchups, the stage of the game, and identifying who would be the optimal bowler,” she added.
–IANS
nr/bc
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the resilience and determination of the Australian team, especially with a key player like Alyssa Healy facing injury. The team's optimism reflects their commitment to excellence, and the strategic decisions made by Coach Shelley Nitschke will be vital in the upcoming semi-final against India.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury is Alyssa Healy dealing with?
Alyssa Healy is currently nursing a calf strain.
When is the semi-final match against India?
The semi-final match against India is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
How did Australia perform against India in the league stage?
Australia defeated India by three wickets, with Alyssa Healy scoring 142 runs.
What record did Alana King set in the last match?
Alana King achieved the best bowling figures in Women's Cricket World Cup history with 7 wickets for 18 runs.
What does Coach Nitschke say about Healy's chances?
Coach Nitschke remains hopeful that Healy will be fit for the semi-final as she continues to be assessed.
