Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia captain Meg Lanning confirmed that Alyssa Healy will play in the defending champions’ opening match against New Zealand.
New Delhi ,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 23:25 IST
Alyssa Healy is fit and available for Australia’s opening match. (Photo: Cricket Australia)
By India Today Web Desk: Australia captain Meg Lanning confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy will play in the team’s opening match at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
The defending champions Australia will begin its campaign against New Zealand on February 11. Healy had suffered a calf injury during the T20I tour of India. Subsequently, she was forced to miss the T20Is against Pakistan.
“Obviously, Midge [Healy] comes back in so someone, unfortunately, has to miss out from the team that played in the Pakistan series,” Lanning said in the press conference on the eve of the match.
“It is a very difficult decision, but at the same time, it is really nice to have Midge back. She looks like she is really strong and fit and is ready to come into this tournament to play well.”
Lanning further said that Healy has been waiting to get on the field as her record speaks for itself on the big stage.
“We know the threat that Midge brings and she will have been waiting in the wings for a while,” said Lanning. “I think her record speaks for itself in World Cups in particular.”
“We know that she’s fit and available and that she will probably be fronting up at the top of the order. And for us, it’s about how we keep her quiet and even better try and get her out early.”
The Australian captain added that she and her team are super excited for the Women’s T20 World Cup as they would be playing in South Africa for the first time.
“I’m super excited to be here,” Lanning said. “World Cups are always very special to be a part of, there’s a very different energy and a really great energy around these sorts of tournaments.
“We come into this World Cup on level pegging with everybody else and we’re coming here to win and we know how difficult that is. I’m just excited about the challenge that brings, as is the team. We are also really pumped to be playing here in South Africa for the first time, which is something new.”
