Alyssa Healy is being urged to elevate her batting position during her farewell Test match, as Australia faces India in a decisive pink-ball encounter at the WACA. With Australia leading the match and poised for victory, Healy’s teammates believe a promotion could allow her to have one final opportunity to bat before concluding her international career.
As play resumes on day three, India stands at 6-105 in their second innings, needing 20 more runs to make Australia bat again. They face a daunting challenge with all-rounder Annabel Sutherland already claiming two wickets for just 15 runs, while 19-year-old debutant Lucy Hamilton has made a significant impact with three wickets for 32 runs. Pratika Rawal, currently on 43 not out, and Sneh Rana, with 14 not out, are tasked with stabilizing India’s innings amidst mounting pressure.
In the first innings, Healy scored a mere 13 runs batting at No. 4, leading to speculation that she might not have another chance to bat unless she opts to open in the second innings. Despite her teammates expressing support for such a move, Healy has shown reluctance. Sutherland remarked, “Absolutely, I’d love to see it. I’m sure a few will be encouraging her—but you never know, you might see her with the ball first.”
Healy, a seasoned wicketkeeper, is participating in her 11th Test match but has yet to bowl in this format. Recently, during her ODI farewell, which marked her 126th match, she bowled for the first time, recording figures of 0-12 over two overs. With Beth Mooney currently behind the stumps, there is a possibility that Healy may bowl as part of her farewell festivities, although fans are eager to see her bat one final time in the iconic baggy green.
Outside the match, Healy’s approachable nature was evident when she engaged with schoolchildren during a tea break, showcasing her down-to-earth spirit. Sutherland commented on Healy’s vibrant presence in the team, saying, “She’s just been Midge. She’s had great energy and been her cheeky self, which has been awesome, and it’ll be really nice to hopefully send her off on a good note.”
Australia currently leads the multi-format series 8-4, meaning a victory in this Test is crucial for India in their quest to draw the series. Sutherland stands out as a key player, with her impressive performance likely to earn her the title of player of the Test. She has already taken 4-46 in India’s first innings followed by two more wickets in the second.
With the bat, Sutherland impressed with a score of 129 runs off 171 balls, marking her third consecutive Test century and her fourth overall. She is now the fastest woman to reach four Test centuries and needs just one more to tie the all-time record of five, held by former England player Jan Brittin.
Additionally, all-rounder Ellyse Perry reached a significant milestone during the match. Her innings of 76 runs propelled her past 1,006 Test runs, breaking the previous Australian women’s record of 1,002 set by Karen Rolton. Although Perry, at 35, may not surpass Brittin’s overall record of 1,935 runs due to the limited number of Test matches played by women, Sutherland’s promising start suggests she could chase such records in the coming years.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Healy, who could still make a lasting impression in her final Test appearance, whether through a promotion to open or by taking the ball in this memorable farewell.
