Australia’s skipper and dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy could yet be in line for a crucial return in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semi-final against India, set to be played on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. However, her participation remains uncertain as she continues to recover from a calf strain sustained earlier in the tournament.
Australia’s head coach Shelley Nitschke struck an optimistic tone while addressing Healy’s recovery status after their recent win over South Africa at the Holkar Stadium. The skipper missed both that fixture and the clash against England due to the injury, “She wasn’t quite up to it (here) but she’ll continue to be assessed. We’re really hopeful for the semi, but still a few days to play out before that. And we’re hopeful again, she’ll just continue to be assessed the closer we get to that,” said Shelley.
The injury occurred during Australia’s training session on October 19, forcing Healy out of the next two league matches. Yet, her potential return for the semi-final remains one of the biggest talking points in the Australian camp.
When the two sides last met earlier in the group stage in Vizag, it was Healy who turned the contest decisively in Australia’s favour. Chasing 331, she struck a masterful 142 off 107 balls, featuring 21 fours and three sixes, setting up a three-wicket victory in the 49th over. Her dismissal triggered a brief collapse before Ellyse Perry, who had earlier retired hurt, returned to steady the innings and complete the chase. She followed it up with another ton against Bangladesh, reaffirming her position as one of the most consistent batters of the tournament.
Even though she has featured in only four matches, Healy remains fourth on the list of top run-getters with 294 runs, behind players who have played six or seven games. Her scores — 19 vs New Zealand, 20 vs Pakistan, 142 vs India, and 113* vs Bangladesh – speak volumes of her impact in limited opportunities.
Her current injury is particularly disheartening considering the inspiring comeback she made earlier this year. After a long battle with foot and knee injuries, Healy marked her return with commanding performances against India A. That resurgence set the stage for her strong start to the World Cup, where she once again led from the front — both with the bat and as captain.
Healy’s track record in global tournaments adds further weight to her importance in Australia’s setup. She was the Player of the Tournament in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup, where her 509 runs included a 129 in the semi-final against West Indies and a magnificent 170 in the final against England, guiding her team to the title.
Australia, meanwhile, have been the only undefeated side in this edition, winning six of their seven matches, with one game ending in a no result. The team has found a new match-winner in almost every encounter — a testament to their depth and adaptability.
Whether they will miss Healy in the semi-final remains to be seen. Her leadership, energy behind the stumps, and sheer dominance with the bat have been integral to Australia’s success over the years. Yet, as history shows, this Australian side has an uncanny ability to step up under pressure — even in the absence of their biggest stars.
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