Indore, Oct 24 – Australia is looking to have their “three-in-one” skipper Alyssa Healy fit and ready for the crucial Women’s World Cup match against South Africa on Saturday. Healy, who serves as captain, opener, and wicketkeeper, sustained a calf injury during training before the match against England, which saw Tahlia McGrath lead the team to a significant victory.

South Africa has emerged as a formidable opponent, winning five consecutive matches following a 10-wicket defeat to England in their opening game. Healy’s fitness is crucial, especially since she has been in excellent form, scoring back-to-back centuries against India and Bangladesh. She currently ranks third among the tournament’s highest run-scorers, trailing India’s Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, despite having played two fewer matches.

Healy’s absence in the match against England led to adjustments in the batting lineup, yet the team secured an easy win, thanks to Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner, who formed an unbeaten 180-run partnership after the team was reduced to 68/4.

Australia’s batting depth, combined with their strong pace and spin bowling attack, positions them as the team to beat. South Africa’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt, recognizes the challenge ahead and will rely on her pace-bowling ace Marizanne Kapp, who has taken six wickets and scored two half-centuries in the tournament. However, the Proteas’ batting depth does not match that of Australia, placing pressure on openers Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and top-order batter Sune Luus to contribute significantly to the score.

The transformation from their opening loss to England has been remarkable for South Africa. However, facing Australia presents a different challenge, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will be crucial as teams prepare for the knockout stages.

Teams (From):
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon.

Match starts at 3pm IST.