-Says Windies are dangerous hitters
By Romario Samaroo in Antigua
Belligerent wicketkeeper/ batsman, Alyssa Healy has recovered from her minor concussion and will likely be available for selection in the semifinals for Australia in their match against defending champions, West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua tomorrow.
Healy has been an integral part of the three-time champions’ outfit from the get go of the tournament, copping three player-of-the-match performances in the games she batted so far. In the final group match against India, Healy had suffered a minor concussion after colliding with another fielder in an attempt to complete a catch. As a result, she was taken off the field and did not bat as her side slipped to a 48-run defeat.
Healy’s availability for the clash of the titans was confirmed by teammate Rachael Haynes who was speaking to the media while workers at the venue were busy trying to get the ground and facilities prepared as they battled the rains that swept across the island.
“I believe she is on track from what I’ve heard in terms of the games coming up”, Haynes stated while cautioning that Healy has “a few hurdles to get over”. Haynes expressed her confidence in the team’s medical staff stating “we have some of the best people in the country who are helping her out and obviously it will be on how she progresses through.”
The left handed batsman said that she has been keeping track of the defending champions’ progress so far, mentioning that the side “seems to be getting into the spirit of it…we obviously have been keeping track of what’s going on over there knowing there is a crossover in the semifinals.”
She went on to state that the Caribbean women are “some dangerous hitters and we have seen it first hand and in the past so we will definitely have to be on our game.”
Haynes, was not able to say what would be the situation should Healy not come out to play but was confident in the Australian think-tank to come up with the best XI that can beat the defending champions.
The left arm seamer opined that her side “didn’t quite execute against India” but said it just comes down to acclimatizing, execution and handling pressure situations while assuring her confidence in her side’s batting.
On the broader picture, Haynes said the mood in the camp was very positive and relaxing after getting a day off on Monday which she said was “refreshing”, she added that the training session is on and everyone is in business mode.
Haynes, who has not played at the ground before, like some of the other girls in the squad, was looking forward to their training session and getting familiar with the ground having already noticed a bit of a slope in the outfield.
The 31-year-old was uncertain of the wicket since they have not yet seen it due to the rain forcing it to be covered since they arrived.
Nevertheless, she was hopeful of it being similar to that of Guyana.
Australia will take on West Indies in the first encounter of the day from 4 pm while India will face England at 8 pm.
