Australia captain Alyssa Healy’s participation in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semi-final against India remains uncertain after the star wicketkeeper-batter missed two consecutive matches due to a calf strain.
Healy has been sidelined since Australia’s clash with England on October 22, and despite intensive rehabilitation, the injury continues to cast doubt over her availability for the knockout match. The setback occurred during a training session following Australia’s group-stage game against Bangladesh, halting what had been an exceptional run of form for the captain.
Before her injury, Healy had been in sublime touch, scoring back-to-back centuries against India and Bangladesh in Vizag, anchoring Australia’s campaign with her trademark aggression and composure at the top of the order.
Following Australia’s emphatic victory over South Africa on Saturday, head coach Shelley Nitschke addressed the media and provided a cautiously optimistic update on Healy’s recovery.
“Obviously she wasn’t quite up to it tonight, but she’ll continue to be assessed,” Nitschke said during the post-match press conference. “We’re really hopeful for the semi, but there are still a few days to play out before that. She’ll keep working with the medical team, and we’ll make a final call closer to the game.”
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While Nitschke expressed hope, her comments hinted at the team’s cautious approach, with Australia unlikely to take any unnecessary risks with their skipper’s fitness.
Looking ahead to the semi-final against Harmanpreet Kaur’s India on October 30 in Navi Mumbai, Nitschke acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge. “India are a very strong side, and playing them at home is always tough. We know we’ll have to be at our best,” she said.
The two sides previously produced one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters in the group stage, where Australia successfully chased down a record target of 331, thanks to a spectacular 142 off 107 balls from Healy, an innings that earned her the Player of the Match award.
If Healy fails to recover in time, her absence would be a major blow to Australia’s hopes of defending their title. For now, the team and fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates as the semifinal showdown in Navi Mumbai draws closer.
