After battling a series of injuries over the past few months, Healy confirmed her readiness to take the gloves again during a practice session less than 24 hours before the much-anticipated match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Healy, who has been nursing a knee injury since November, expressed relief and excitement about her return. \u201cI\u2019d be lying if I said there wasn\u2019t any doubt, particularly after a rough couple of months,\u201d Healy was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. \u201cBut everything\u2019s progressed as we hoped. I\u2019m feeling really good and confident to get out there and do the job.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her commitment to the team is unwavering. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be doing it if I felt like I was going to let the team down. I\u2019m really excited to get back out there tomorrow,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Healy\u2019s recent injury history has been challenging. In October, she ruptured her plantar fascia during the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. This was followed by a knee injury while representing the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL, sidelining her from Australia\u2019s ODI series against India. On the subsequent tour of New Zealand, Healy played solely as a batter, with Beth Mooney stepping in as wicketkeeper.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite her optimism, Healy acknowledged the intense schedule of seven matches, including a four-day Test, within 22 days might require some rotation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019d love to keep in every game, but we\u2019ll see how the body goes,\u201d she said. Australia have prepared for any contingencies, with Mooney as the backup wicketkeeper and young batter Georgia Voll, who has impressed in recent outings, ready to step up if needed<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Voll\u2019s stellar performances, including a century and an average of 86.50 in her first three ODIs, have cemented her as a dependable option. She showcased her adaptability by opening alongside Healy in a warm-up game and could slot in as a batter or fielder if Healy needs rest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Australia face a decision between selecting Darcie Brown, a quick bowler, or Georgia Wareham as an additional spinner for the opener.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England, too, face selection challenges, particularly with pacer Kate Cross\u2019s fitness under scrutiny. Cross has been recovering from a bulging disc in her back that required an epidural over Christmas. England captain Heather Knight revealed that a final decision on Cross\u2019s inclusion would depend on her performance in the pre-match training session.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCrossy\u2019s struggling a little bit with a back issue. She\u2019ll have a bowl today, and we\u2019ll make a decision post-training,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England boast other seam options, including Lauren Bell, who claimed 12 wickets during the South Africa tour, and Lauren Filer, whose speed and bounce add a new dimension to their attack. Knight praised Filer\u2019s growth since her impactful debut in the 2023 Ashes Test, where she troubled Australia with her pace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCrossy\u2019s struggling a little bit with a back issue. She\u2019ll have a bowl today, and we\u2019ll make a decision post-training,\u201d Knight said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n