[ad_1]
Australia captain Alyssa Healy concedes more women’s international red-ball cricket is unlikely on a busy calendar, as she prepares to lead her side in a one-off Test in India.
Key points:
The Test against India is part of a series also involving ODIs and T20IsHealy says multi-format series are crucial to keep Tests aliveAustralia hasn’t played a Test in India since 1984
Healy has overcome a serious finger injury to confirm her place in the historic Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, starting on Thursday.
It will be Australia’s first Test match since beating England in June.
The last time Australia played a Test in India was 1984.
Australia’s eagerly anticipated tour also features three ODIs and as many T20s, and follows India’s 347-run destruction of England in a one-off Test.
Healy, who was earlier this month appointed the retired Meg Lanning’s replacement as Australia captain, is eager to see more women’s Test matches played.
But the star wicketkeeper-batter said multi-format series were crucial to women being able to play the longest form of the game.
“I’d love to see more (Tests) played but I think the reality of that is it won’t happen,” Healy said.
“At the same time, I think if more and more nations around the world are interested in playing the multi-format series, I think it’s a great way to get Test cricket back relevant in our game.”
Healy missed the entire WBBL after hurting a finger in October while trying to break up a fight between her two dogs.
The 33-year-old has been given the all-clear to resume with the gloves against India but will not open the batting.
Instead, she will feature in the middle order in expected spin-friendly conditions, having watched star spinner Deepti Sharma claim match figures of 9-39 in India’s thrashing of England.
“The challenge of facing a lot of spin through the middle will be a really good one,” Healy said.
“I’m not too worried about it.
“I think I’ve got the ability and I’ve played long enough to be able to adapt to that and just play the role that the team needs.”
AAP
[ad_2]
Source link
