Both Australia and England are still settling on their bowling line-ups, with the MCG pitch showing a hint of green.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy has declared herself “good to go” for Thursday’s historic Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG, but acknowledged the final decision on whether she plays will be up to the team, with the XI to be announced at the toss.
Meanwhile, England captain Heather Knight confirmed that Sophia Dunkley will return to the Test side as a seventh batter after missing the last match in South Africa. However, Kate Cross has been ruled out, despite training yesterday. England will now decide whether to go with two spinners or three specialist seamers in their attack.
Healy, attending the captain’s press conference in her full whites and baggy green the day before the Test, seemed to confirm her recovery from a foot injury was progressing well. She appeared ready for the game after completing a solid training session on Tuesday. She also posed for photos with Knight and inspected the pitch ahead of training.
Despite declaring herself fit to play, Healy could not confirm whether she was locked into the XI, as selectors are set to make their final call on Wednesday evening.
“I’m good to go,” Healy said with a smile. “The final XI hasn’t quite been decided upon just yet, but I’m standing here in front of you without a moon boot, saying I’m ready to go.”
Alyssa Healy inspects the Test pitch at the MCG • Getty Images
Healy confirmed that the decision on her availability would be made jointly by the selectors and the medical staff.
“I think it’s a bit of both,” Healy said. “The medical staff have been really supportive, not always in line with what I’ve wanted to do, but they’ve given me the opportunity to potentially push to play in this Test match, which has been amazing. We’ve done everything we can to get me in a position where I can say, ‘I’m ready to go.’ There’s definitely some things out of my control, but at the end of the day, we’re focused on what’s best for the team. I’m excited, and physically, I feel ready to lead the side in a Test match, which is pretty cool.”
Healy added that she had recovered well after running, fielding, and batting during Tuesday’s training session, and confirmed that she wouldn’t require much pain management during the game. She also mentioned there were minimal concerns about further damaging the stress injury in her foot.
“It’s been surprising how well my body has responded every day,” Healy said. “I was pushed pretty hard yesterday, and I think you could see I was working pretty hard.
“Obviously, we intentionally tested my limits to see what I could and couldn’t handle, and I’ve pulled up really well. So, I’m feeling really positive about moving forward.”
Alyssa Healy and Heather Knight pose before the day-night Ashes Test at the MCG • Getty Images
“There’s still some uncertainty about how the four days will unfold,” Healy said. “But right now, I’m on as little medication as possible, which I think is a big positive. The fact that I can get through what I need to without needing much means I could always add more if necessary. We’ve sought plenty of specialist advice about what things might look like moving forward, and there’s no real evidence suggesting it could worsen beyond where it currently stands. So, that’s reassuring for me, and it gave me the mental boost to think, ‘Yep, I can push to play.’ I’m confident I can get through four days, and hopefully that’s exactly what happens.”
Healy
Healy’s absence from behind the stumps will shift the balance of the top order. Beth Mooney will take the gloves but won’t open the batting, despite having done so in five of her seven Test matches, including the last three Australia has played. During those matches, Australia’s top seven has remained unchanged, with Mooney opening alongside Phoebe Litchfield and Healy batting at No. 5. Healy mentioned she was open to batting anywhere, though no decision has been made yet. If Healy is ruled out by the selectors, Georgia Voll is the most likely candidate to make her Test debut.
“Moons coming down the order is a bit of a change, and we’ll need to decide who will open,” Healy said. “I’m happy to bat anywhere for Australia, and I think everyone knows that. So if it’s me, great. If not, there’s a pretty obvious candidate.”
Healy also took a look at the MCG pitch, which had a typical layer of green grass. How it will play compared to the men’s Tests and Sheffield Shield matches is still uncertain. Australia is grappling with the fact that the pitch is usually seamer-friendly, but their spinners have been the key performers in this Ashes series so far, as well as during their win in the 2023 Ashes Test.
Sophia Dunkley will provide additional batting depth for England • ECB via Getty Images
England are facing a similar selection dilemma, having opted for a combination of six batters, three fast bowlers, and two spinners in their last Test victory against South Africa. Captain Heather Knight confirmed that Sophia Dunkley will be included in the lineup, meaning one bowler will have to make way.
“We have 12 players in contention and are still finalizing our bowling attack,” Knight said. “In the last Test, we went with an extra bowler due to the Ashes schedule, but this time, we’re prioritizing an additional batter, so Sophia Dunkley will come in. Now, it’s a matter of deciding whether to go with an extra seamer or a spinner. We’ll assess the pitch again tonight before making a call.”
However, there is no place for Kate Cross. Despite managing two spells in training yesterday, she has not fully recovered in time for the match.
“Unfortunately, Kate won’t be playing,” Knight confirmed. “She’s been incredible in her efforts to overcome her back injury, working tirelessly to regain her pace and form. It’s really disappointing for her, as she’s a vital member of our squad. That said, it’s been great having her around the team in recent days—she’s a key leader in this group.”
