With the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2025 barreling into its decisive league finale, defending champions Australia are reportedly navigating a delicate balance between caution and conquest. Captain
Alyssa Healy's ongoing recovery from a minor calf strain has injected uncertainty into their preparations for Saturday's blockbuster against South Africa at Indore's Holkar Stadium, in a match that will crown the group-stage toppers and shape semi-final paths. Healy, the 34-year-old talisman who has anchored Australia's campaign with back-to-back centuries, 142 against India and an unbeaten 113 versus Bangladesh sustained the niggle during a training session on October 18, 2025.
While Alyssa Healy's return to light training offers optimism, stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath emphasised a day-by-day approach, underscoring the team's depth amid their unbeaten streak. Her absence from Wednesday, October 24, 2025 six-wicket triumph over England at the same venue nearly marked the first blemish on Australia's record, but McGrath's composed leadership, bolstered by Annabel Sutherland's all-round fireworks and Ash Gardner's tactical nous ensured a seamless transition. “She's at training today...we haven't finalised an XI yet, but she's still a bit of a day-by-day case and we'll see how that pans out,” McGrath told reporters post-session on Friday, her voice laced with measured hope.
Alysa Healy progressed to nets against throwdowns after jogging intervals: Reports
Observed jogging intervals on the Holkar outfield adorned with a compression sleeve on her right calf. Alyssa Healy reportedly, as per cricket.com.au, progressed to nets against throwdowns from assistant coach Dan Marsh, signaling positive strides without risking aggravation. Australia is already locked into the semi-finals as the lone unbeaten side atop the standings with 11 points from six matches, the luxury of prudence prevails. “She's had a huge impact... worked extremely hard to be at this World Cup,” Tahila McGrath praised, deferring rotation calls to physios but hinting at continuity. She further added, “Whether it's against South Africa or in the finals, she's already been a huge player.”
If rested, leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, three wickets in two outings slots in seamlessly, her recent stinginess against England complementing Alana King's leg-spin prowess (eight wickets at 13.25 average versus South Africa). A victory over South Africa secures first place and a semi-final date with fourth-placed India at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on October 30, 2025 complete with an extra day's rest; defeat sends them to Guwahati against England on October 29, 2025.
