Alyssa Healy set to resume groundskeeping duties ahead of Ashes 2025 opener

Australia captain Alyssa Healy is set to resume her wicketkeeping duties in the opening ODI of the 2025 Ashes series against England on Sunday in Sydney. Healy, who has been recovering from a knee injury suffered in November, confirmed his readiness after completing a fitness test at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.

“Yeah, done,” Healy said, expressing relief and excitement. “I’d probably be lying if I said there was no doubt, especially after a difficult couple of months, but everything has probably gone as well as we hoped. I feel very good.”

Having endured a challenging period, including a torn plantar fascia during the T20 World Cup and a subsequent knee injury in the WBBL, Healy was ruled out of Australia’s home series against India. She returned as a specialist batsman during the tour of New Zealand, with Beth Mooney stepping in behind the stumps.

Healy acknowledged the demanding schedule of the seven-match series, which includes a four-day test, and hinted at the possibility of rotation. “From my perspective, I would love to be able to keep all the games, but we will have to see how the body goes,” he said.

Alyssa Healy recovers

Healy’s recovery leaves Georgia Voll, who impressed during her debut series against India with 173 runs at an average of 86.50, on hold. Voll’s adaptability provides Australia with a reliable option should Healy need a rest.

Meanwhile, England are facing their own health problems with pacemaker Kate Cross. Captain Heather Knight revealed that Cross, recovering from a back problem, would undergo a fitness assessment before the match. “Obviously Crossy is struggling a bit with a back problem. He’ll have a little bowl today and we’ll make a final decision once we’ve seen the wicket,” Knight said.

Knight also highlighted the growth of pacer Lauren Filer, whose pace impressed in the 2023 Ashes Test. “The bounce she gets and the speed at which she bowls is really tough,” Knight said. “She’s certainly someone who bowls balls that take wickets… her job is to come in and take stumps and try to ruffle a few feathers.”

As the first Ashes match approaches, Healy’s return behind the stumps is a significant boost for Australia, while England will await the result of Cross’s fitness test.