Perth, March 5 (NationPress) Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, has revealed that seasoned allrounder Ellyse Perry is making significant strides toward regaining her fitness ahead of the upcoming day-night Test at the WACA. However, the final decision regarding her participation will be made as the match approaches.

Perry has been racing against time to overcome a quadriceps injury that nearly sidelined her for the pink-ball fixture against India. Fortunately, the 35-year-old's progress during training this week has instilled optimism within the Australian squad.

“We have a general idea of what the lineup might look like. Clearly, Ellyse Perry is the main focus, and we'll evaluate her situation as we move forward. She performed exceptionally well in training yesterday, making it look quite hopeful. Having her back in this series would be significant – reports indicate that her injury was not a simple one, so her resilience in making a comeback is indeed remarkable. For us women, having the chance to play Test cricket is rare. I believe she’ll be excited to get out there,” Healy expressed to reporters in Perth regarding Australia’s probable XI.

Perry's presence is anticipated to influence the composition of Australia’s lineup for the Test at the WACA Ground. If she receives medical clearance, she is expected to play as a specialist batter rather than fulfilling her usual all-rounder role.

In the event that she cannot participate, Australia might offer a debut to Tasmania batter Rachel Trenaman, who has been outstanding in domestic cricket. Alternatively, the team could modify its batting order to include an additional bowling option.

“I believe there will be a debutant, so we will have to wait and see who it will be. I expect the lineup to resemble what we had in the Ashes Test last year, so I will likely be positioned in the middle order, depending on balance and likely on Pez's availability. Trenaman has amassed a substantial number of runs in domestic matches and would seamlessly fit into Ellyse Perry's spot if she isn't cleared,” Healy stated.

Healy mentioned that even if Perry participates solely as a batter, Australia possesses sufficient bowling depth through all-rounders like Tahlia McGrath and Annabel Sutherland.

“We have numerous options with the ball, and many players are eager for more opportunities, so we won't face challenges in that area,” she affirmed.

The conditions at the WACA may also affect Australia's final XI. The pitch features a thick layer of grass, with temperatures predicted to soar to 37°C during the match's opening days. Healy acknowledged the allure of selecting three specialist fast bowlers but suggested that this may not be the most feasible option.

“(The pitch) has a dense layer of grass, so it might be somewhat spongy on day one, and likely to dry out and become flat as the match progresses. I would love to see three quicks tearing in with the new ball, but we will assess the conditions as they unfold. While we discuss pace and bounce, I think someone like Alana King could pose a real challenge out here,” she remarked.

“We will inspect the wicket today, keeping in mind the heat and what the conditions may be like over the next four days... I think spin might actually play a role at this ground, especially in the women's game,” Healy concluded.