Australia Sweat on Alyssa Healy’s Fitness Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final Against India

Australia captain Alyssa Healy remains in doubt for the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final against India, as she continues to recover from a calf strain that has sidelined her for the past two matches.

Healy, who struck a match-winning century against India earlier in the tournament, batted and kept wicket during training on Tuesday but opted out of Wednesday’s optional session. Head coach Shelley Nitschke said the team would give Healy “as much time as she needs” before making a final call on her availability for Thursday’s crucial clash at the DY Patil Stadium.

Australia, unbeaten so far in the tournament, are aiming to extend their remarkable record of not having lost an ODI World Cup knockout game since 2017. Their campaign has been driven by stellar performances from Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy, both with two centuries, and by bowlers Annabel Sutherland and Alana King, who have each taken over ten wickets.

India, meanwhile, enter the semi-final riding a wave of momentum after recovering from a slow start to reach the knockouts. Smriti Mandhana has been in sublime form, scoring five consecutive fifty-plus scores against Australia, while Shafali Verma returns to open alongside her following Pratika Rawal’s injury.

India’s lineup is expected to include Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, and Kranti Gaud, all of whom were rested for the Bangladesh match. The spotlight will also be on Deepti Sharma, India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps at 22.46, and who boasts an excellent record against Australia’s middle order.

For Australia, Phoebe Litchfield—who averages 63.50 against India—will be key at the top of the order. Sophie Molineux is likely to return to the XI in place of Georgia Wareham to bolster the spin department.

The pitch, previously used for the Sri Lanka–Bangladesh match, is expected to favour batters, with high scores likely. While rain has affected Navi Mumbai in the lead-up, the forecast for matchday has improved, with a reserve day in place if needed.

Tickets for the semi-final sold out days in advance, setting the stage for a packed crowd and a potential classic between two powerhouses of women’s cricket.

“We’ll give Alyssa as much time as she needs,” said Nitschke. “She’s such a crucial part of this team — both as a leader and as a player.”

“I’ll keep telling myself to stay calm and believe in myself,” said Shafali Verma, ahead of her return. “I’ve been in these situations before — I’ll give it 200%.”