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

Alyssa Healy returns as Australia's wicketkeeper for the Ashes opener after recovering from a knee injury. With a tight seven-game schedule ahead, Healy's fitness and England's bowling options, including Kate Cross, set the stage for a thrilling clash.

In Short

• Australia's captain confirmed her return as wicketkeeper for the Ashes opener
• With seven games in 22 days, Healy hinted at possible rotation
• England's Kate Cross remains game-time decision due to back injury

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

"Yeah, good to go," Healy said, expressing relief and excitement. "Probably I'd be lying if I said there wasn't any doubt, in particular off the back of a rough couple of months, but everything's progressed probably just as well as we would have hoped. I'm feeling really good."

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

Healy acknowledged the demanding schedule of the seven-game series, which includes a four-day Test, and hinted at the possibility of rotation. "From my perspective, I'd love to be out there keeping every game, but we'll just have to see how the body goes," she said.

Alyssa Healy recovers

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

England, meanwhile, face their own fitness concerns with pacer Kate Cross. Captain Heather Knight revealed that Cross, recovering from a back issue, would undergo a fitness assessment before the match. "Obviously, Crossy's struggling a little bit with a back issue. She’s going to have a little bowl today, and we'll make a final decision once we've had a look at the wicket," Knight said.

Knight also highlighted the growth of pacer Lauren Filer, whose raw pace impressed in the 2023 Ashes Test. "The bounce that she gets and the speed that she bowls at is really tricky," Knight said. "She’s certainly someone that bowls wicket-taking balls... her job is to come in and take poles and try and ruffle a few feathers."

As the Ashes opener looms, Healy’s return behind the stumps is a significant boost for Australia, while England will await the outcome of Cross’s fitness test.