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Australian captain Alyssa Healy has acknowledged the significant challenge her team will face from Indian spinners at the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup. Healy stressed on the fact that if Australia hope to secure a record-extending eighth title, their ability to effectively counter the spin-heavy Indian attack will be crucial to their success.
Healy herself is expected to lead from the front, and her recent form suggests she is well-prepared for the task. Playing for Australia A, the star batter showcased her prowess with a magnificent unbeaten century (137*) in the third and final One-Day match against India A in Brisbane, steering her side to a dominant nine-wicket victory. Although the hundred came in a consolation win, with India A having already secured the series, it served as a powerful statement of her capabilities.
Alyssa Healy warns Australia of spin challenge in Women's World Cup
This performance was particularly noteworthy as it marked a successful comeback for Healy, who had been sidelined from competitive cricket for nearly six months with a knee injury. Despite Australia A losing the series 1-2, she emerged as the highest run-scorer, demonstrating excellent touch throughout. Her century was preceded by a confident knock of 91 in the previous match, further highlighting her mastery against an India A spin attack that included the likes of Radha Yadav, Minnu Mani, and Tanuja Kanwar.
“They’ve (India A) got a really spin-heavy attack and we’re going to have to play a lot of that throughout the World Cup as well, a lot of the middle overs will be spin-biased,” Healy told cricket.com.au.
Australia A made quick work of the spin attack on Sunday, chasing down a modest 217-run target in less than 28 overs for the loss of just one wicket. Their dominant performance was highlighted by a standout batting display that left the opposing bowlers struggling to make an impact. Coach Dan Marsh expressed his confidence in the team's performance, particularly noting the strong form of Healy. He believes her excellent showing on Sunday puts her in a strong position mentally and skill-wise as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup in India.
“Alyssa batted well today. All pre-season she’s been looking good and it was just nice to see her get some match practice and put that into place heading into India. She’ll be really happy with her two weeks (with Australia A), will have a nice little rest at home now and be ready to go to India,” Marsh said.
Notably, the Women's ODI World Cup is scheduled to get underway from September 30 with a compelling opening match between co-hosts India and Sri Lanka. Following the opener, the schedule features several key encounters early in the tournament. One of the most highly-anticipated matches, the clash between India and Pakistan, is set to take place on October 5. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Australia, will launch their title defence on October 1 against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. England, the runner-up from the previous World Cup, will begin their campaign against South Africa on October 3. The tournament will draw to a close with the final match on November 2.
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