Alyssa Healy fit for one-off pink-ball Test at the MCG, Kate Cross misses out

Australia is on the cusp of a historic multi-format Women’s Ashes whitewash in the ongoing 8th edition in 2025, down under, which would also be their best-ever show in the Women’s Ashes, if not already. For the visitors on the other hand, led by skipper Heather Knight, the multi-format series has been nothing short of a nightmare that has turned into a reality for them. The batting unit has been a key area of concern for the visitors.

Alyssa Healy fit for one-off pink-ball Test at the MCG, Kate Cross misses out
Alyssa Healy fit for one-off pink-ball Test at the MCG, Kate Cross misses out

A lot of missed opportunities and their inability to capitalise on those small moments in the game have cost them some crucial points and an opportunity to reclaim the Women’s Ashes title. As a result, the Heather Knight-led side find themselves without a win and a daunting Ashes scoreline of 12-0, heading into the final game of the series, with four points up for grabs in a historic, one-off pink-ball Test at the iconic MCG.

England have suffered another major setback as the veteran 33-year-old pacer Kate Cross has been ruled out of the historic one-off pink-ball Test match at the MCG. It was probably the last thing they wouldn’t have hoped for, losing out on experience, at a time when they look around for some inspiration to lift themselves up and be in a positive frame of mind to be up for the challenge.

“Kate Cross is unfortunately not going to be playing. She’s been amazing, she’s worked so diligently to try and get over injury, but she hasn’t quite been able to get back to her pace and her performance level. Really gutted for her, because she’s a key member for us,” said England skipper Heather Knight giving a concerning update about the availability of one of their most experienced pacer Kate Cross for the upcoming one-off pink-ball Test at the MCG from 30th January 2025.

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Australia on the other hand, were also sweating on the availability of a couple of their experienced veterans in the form of their regular skipper Alyssa Healy and the 27-year-old all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, ahead of the historic one-off pink-ball Test match. Ashleigh Gardner missed the last couple of T20Is, while the regular skipper Alyssa Healy was out of action in the whole T20I series. Tahlia McGrath stepped in as the stand-in skipper in her absence, and Beth Mooney took the wicket-keeping gloves in her absence.

Alyssa Healy batting in the nets ahead of the one-off Test; PC: Getty
Alyssa Healy batting in the nets ahead of the one-off Test; PC: Getty

The 34-year-old wicket-keeper batter was ruled out of the T20I series due to her injury in the right foot, she was also seen wearing a moon boot on the sidelines en route to her recovery.

“It’s been surprising to me every single day that I’ve done some stuff just how well it’s responded. I was pushed pretty hard yesterday. We’ve done that on purpose to try and see what I can and can’t get through and I’ve pulled up really well, so I’m really positive moving forward,” said the Australian skipper Alyssa Healy sharing an update about her readiness to participate in the upcoming historic pink-ball Test match.

She also appreciated the kind of support she received from the medical team to get her up and raring to make it through the upcoming four-day Test match. Ashleigh Gardner is also likely to feature in the pink-ball Test match at the MCG as she has recovered in time from her injury.

Ash Gardner bowling during training ahead of the one-off Test; PC: Getty
Ash Gardner bowling during training ahead of the one-off Test; PC: Getty

There is pride at stake for the visitors led by skipper Heather Knight, against their rivals, while, for Australia, it’s about being ruthless and etching themselves in the history books with another dominant show in the historic one-off day-night pink ball Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 30th January 2025 (Thursday) from 9 AM IST.

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(Quotes sourced from cricket.com.au)

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