The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is over with India Women lifting their maiden title, beating South Africa Women by 52 runs at the DY Patil Sports Academy on November 2. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led
side however had a mixed campaign in the league stage, but they outclassed former champions Australia Women to seal a berth in the final and then came on top against the Protean side.
Although, the tournament is over now, but it was last for a few cricketers including Alyssa Healy, Marizanne Kapp, Sophie Devine and others. Notably, the Aussie skipper scored 299 runs from five games, averaging 74.75. Her highest score of 142 came against the champion side in the league stage where he struck at a strike rate of 132.71.
I'd add Phoebe Litchfield into the mix: Meg Lanning on Alyssa Healy's successor
After Australia’s exit from the tournament, Alyssa Healy confirmed that this tournament served as her final ODI World Cup, leaving several questions around her future. Amidst this, former Australian cricketer Meg Lanning was asked who could lead the seven-time champions. While the former Aussie star, who guided the side to five ODI World Cup titles and Commonwealth Games gold medal, expressed her confidence in Phoebe Litchfield.
"I think all of those that you mentioned are certainly in the running. I'd add Phoebe Litchfield into the mix because I think she's got a very level head on her shoulders. She's already shown that she's come in and settled herself nicely into the team. And I think she's got a really good temperament too. So I think she's certainly an option,” Lanning told The ICC Review. It is to be noted that currently Tahila McGrath serves as Alyssa Healy’s deputy.
Litchfield was Australia’s second-highest run-getter, massing 304 runs at an average of 50.66 in seven matches. She scored a century on the semi-final against India, which also made her the youngest and fastest batter to score a hundred in WC knockout game. "I think it's exciting in some ways whenever that transition does happen. It'll bring something different to the team, and they'll have their own spin on what they want to do and their own leadership style, and I think that could be really cool for the group. So I am going to go for her (Litchfield)," Lanning added.
