Georgia Voll Steps Up as Australia Eye Life After Alyssa Healy
Georgia Voll produced a career-best performance to help Australia level their T20I series against India in Canberra, striking a commanding 88 that underlined her growing influence at the top of the order.
The 22-year-old opener’s 88 off 57 balls powered Australia to 163 for 5 in the second T20I on Thursday night. India fell short in reply, finishing on 144 for 9 to hand the hosts a 19-run victory.
For Voll, the innings carried added significance. It was her highest T20 international score and came as she continues to adjust to life in the role long occupied by former captain Alyssa Healy, who retired in January.
Filling Big Shoes
As a youngster, Voll watched Healy — affectionately known as “Midge” — dominate attacks around the world. Now, she finds herself tasked with carrying that legacy forward.
“It’s a massive role at the top, to try and fill Midge’s shoes,” Voll said. “She’s someone who’s been incredible for such a long period of time.
“Being a fan of the game and watching her over a long time, and to be able to put my own little spin on it as well has been super fun.”
Her knock in Canberra reflected that intent — assertive yet composed — and set the platform for Australia’s recovery after losing the opening match of the bilateral series.
Strong Support Cast
Australia’s bowlers ensured Voll’s effort did not go to waste. Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth delivered disciplined spells to restrict India’s chase.
At the other end of the batting order, Voll has also benefited from the presence of one of her long-time idols, Beth Mooney.
“I’ve known Moons for a long time and worked alongside her as a 16-year-old,” Voll said. “There’s a reason why she’s one of the best batters in the world — it’s great to have her experience up the other end.
“She’s the calm head. When I’m chunking the ball down the leg-side, she comes down and lets me know that it’s all right. It turns your headspace.”
Focus Shifts to Adelaide
Australia now head to Adelaide for the final T20I on Saturday, with four more matches scheduled before June’s T20 World Cup in England.
After a slow start to the series, Voll believes the team has rediscovered its rhythm.
“We’ve been a part of playing franchise cricket for the last few months,” she said. “It was nice to get out there tonight and show what we’re capable of as a group again. I’m sure that I’ll take a lot of confidence going into Adelaide.”
With Healy’s era concluded, Voll’s match-defining performance in Canberra offered a glimpse of Australia’s next chapter — one that appears to be in assured hands.