Australia’s regular skipper Alyssa Healy’s availability for their final league fixture against South Africa on October 25 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore remains the biggest talking point ahead of the last round of the group stage in the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
The dynamic opener, who missed the high-voltage clash against England due to a minor calf strain, returned to light training on October 24 as the Aussies deliberate a final call on her participation. Despite her absence, stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath led from the front to end England’s unbeaten run with a commanding six-wicket win, reaffirming Australia’s dominance at the top of the table.
Australia sits comfortably at the summit with 11 points from 6 matches, including 5 wins and a washed-out game against Sri Lanka, becoming the first team to secure a semi-final berth. Their last fixture against Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa will determine who heads into the knockouts as table-toppers. The outcome could shape semi-final paths, with the first-placed finisher to meet India in Mumbai on October 30, while the 2nd placed side will be facing England in Guwahati on October 29.
Healy, who leads the tournament batting charts for Australia and is 3rd on the overall list, with 294 runs at a strike rate of 131.25 and an average of 98, including two match-defining centuries, was a glaring absentee in the win against England. Her recovery from the calf strain she sustained during a training session on October 18 has been described as a “day-to-day process,” with team management cautious given Australia’s assured semi-final qualification.
On match day eve, the 35-year-old skipper was spotted jogging laps around the Holkar Stadium outfield wearing a compression sleeve on her right calf before heading into the nets for throwdowns with assistant coach Dan Marsh. “Healy is at training today, we haven’t finalised an XI yet, but she’s still a bit of a day-by-day case and we’ll see how that pans out,” McGrath revealed during her media interaction ahead of the game.
McGrath, who captained Australia with composure in the England clash, reflected positively on her leadership stint. “I really enjoyed captaining the England game. I certainly have to listen a bit more in meetings and be switched on, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to lead and working with Ash (Gardner). She helped me a lot stepping into that vice-captain role,” she said, adding with a smile, “As much as I enjoyed it, I’m pretty keen for Midge to come back as soon as possible.”
If cleared fit, Healy could return as a specialist batter with Beth Mooney retaining the gloves, a combination successfully employed during previous tours when Healy managed foot and knee concerns. Such flexibility allows Australia to preserve balance while ensuring the captain’s inclusion without undue physical strain ahead of the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Australia’s selection think tank will also weigh their spin options. Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, carefully managed following knee surgery, hasn’t featured in back-to-back matches. Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham might step in if that load management continues. McGrath praised Molineux’s resilience, saying, “She’s had a huge impact for us in this World Cup. She’s worked extremely hard to be here, and whether against South Africa or in the finals, she’ll play a crucial role for us.”
As South Africa approaches the contest on a five-match winning streak after a rocky start, being bowled out for just 69 by England in their opener, Australia’s test against Wolvaardt’s disciplined side promises to be a blockbuster. With momentum, balance, and leadership dynamics at play, all eyes will be on how the Aussies manage Healy’s return as they chase an unbeaten finish to their league campaign and a charge toward yet another World Cup crown.
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