Healy Restricted to Batting in New Zealand ODIs

Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy will forgo wicketkeeping duties in the ODI series against New Zealand as she continues to manage a knee injury. However, she remains optimistic about participating as a batter in all three matches to prepare for the Ashes in January. Beth Mooney will take over the gloves, starting with the opening match at Basin Reserve in Wellington, weather permitting. 

Healy expressed her intent to focus on batting and finding form, acknowledging her limited playtime over the past eight months. She emphasized the importance of regaining rhythm ahead of a pivotal Ashes series. 

Georgia Voll, who made an impressive ODI debut in the recent series against India, may step aside for Healy’s return. Voll’s early performances included a century and solid contributions, showcasing the depth of Australian cricket. Healy highlighted the team’s ongoing integration of younger players, strengthened by their ability to step up during injuries. 

New Zealand approaches the Rose Bowl series buoyed by their T20 World Cup triumph in October. Despite their historic success, they have not won a bilateral ODI series against Australia since 1999 or beaten them in a one-dayer since 2017. Captain Sophie Devine acknowledged the challenge of facing Australia but expressed determination to reclaim the Rose Bowl, contingent on consistent performances. 

The series also carries significance for New Zealand’s ODI World Cup qualification, with automatic spots still undecided. However, poor weather could impact the first match, though conditions are expected to improve for the following games.