Women’s World Cup: Alyssa Healy set to return for Australia’s semi-final showdown with India

Australia have received a major boost ahead of their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against India, as skipper Alyssa Healy looks set to return from a calf injury.

Healy, who picked up the injury during a training session before Australia’s match against England last week, missed the team’s final two league games. However, the wicketkeeper-batter appeared fully fit during Tuesday’s training session in Mumbai, completing her fitness test and participating in keeping drills as well as an intense net session where she batted fluently.

Head coach Shelley Nitschke had earlier hinted at Healy’s possible return after Australia’s seven-wicket win over South Africa in Indore. “She wasn’t quite ready tonight, but we’re hopeful she’ll be available for the semi-final. She’ll continue to be assessed in the coming days,” Nitschke said.

Healy has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring 294 runs in four innings at an average of 98 and a strike rate of 131.25. Her highlight came against India — Australia’s semi-final opponents — when she smashed 142 off 98 balls with 21 fours and three sixes to lead her team to a dominant victory.

Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath has been leading the side in Healy’s absence, but the captain’s return is expected to add stability and experience as the defending champions gear up for their knockout clash in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.