‘They’re going to have to do a lot to stop me walking out there’ – Alyssa Healy eager to make comeback against India

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy is gearing up for the upcoming Test against India in Mumbai, scheduled to commence on December 21.

Healy, who endured a finger injury that sidelined her for most of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after intervening in a scuffle between her dogs expressed her eagerness to make a comeback and said that she would be available for the first Test against India.

“I assume I’ll be out there [for the Test], they’re going to have to do a lot to stop me walking out there and catching the first delivery,” she said at the Kayo Summer of Cricket launch on Friday. “Everything’s going really, really well.

“I started back in the nets the last week-and-a-half so I’m all on track to fly to India on Wednesday for a big series over there,” Healy said signalling her readiness for the challenge in India, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

Healy to take charge after Lanning’s retirement 

Healy’s potential captaincy role adds another layer of excitement to the narrative. The Cricket Australia board, meeting on Friday, is likely to announce Healy as the new skipper, taking over from the recently retired Meg Lanning. Having captained in Lanning’s absence, Healy eagerly expressed, “Obviously we leave on Wednesday so having some sort of clarity and assurance for the team before we fly out would be great,” she said. “If it was me, it’d be unbelievably exciting.  I feel like I’ve been warming the seat for 18 months for Meg to come back and obviously, with Meg’s news it was a bit of a shock.”

“To go over to India and captain a multi-format series would be really exciting for whoever does get the job. If it’s me, then you beauty!”, she concluded. 

Moving ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Aussies perform in India, considering the challenge of playing in Indian conditions. The first match is scheduled to be played at the iconic Wankede Stadium in Mumbai.