NAVI MUMBAI: Australiathe alternate skipper of Alyssa Healy is delighted to lead the team in a five-game T20I series in India, a country that holds a special place for her as she marked her first international century here four years ago.
The wicketkeeper, who also opens the baton, notched her first international cent during the 2018 Australian Tour of India, when she scored 115 133 in a 97-run victory in the third ODI in Vadodara.
“It’s a great place to travel. For me personally, it’s nice to be back here. The place has great memories; the hundred young girls will last a lifetime,” Healy said on the eve of their five-game T20I series opener here.
For both teams, the series will kick off the countdown to the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February next year.
In their last encounter, Australia beat India en route to Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham.
“I’m really excited to play against a quality team. It’s great to be back, we’ve been here a long time. It’s exciting for me as captain,” said Healy, who took the reins after regular skipper Meg. Lanning has taken an indefinite personal hiatus.
“Obviously we are aware of the danger of the power they (India) have, so that’s great for cricket as well. We know we’re going to fight.”
The captaincy is an additional responsibility, but she savors every moment of it.
“It’s an extra challenge, opening, keeping the wicket and being captain. But I like high pressure situations, it’s about managing workloads. I’m lucky to have good leaders, I can lean on. I have no ego when it comes to leadership.”
Healy also spoke about the talented youngster Shafali Verma who will lead India’s U-19 side at the inaugural U-19 World Cup in South Africa next month.
Shafali and Richa Ghosh, who are also part of the senior squad, will join the U-19 camp before the World Cup and will not be available for the entire series against Australia.
Healy thinks their presence will help the younger players. Both have been part of the Indian senior team for some time and have competed in ICC events.
“Some of these young players will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with these players who have already played international matches at the highest level,” Healy said.
“If you stack your U-19 squad with your full international squad, that could be a problem, but from my perspective having Shafali and Richa Ghosh will do wonders for those young players coming in and they can choose. what works well, what doesn’t work in international cricket and that’s a good thing,” she added.
The wicketkeeper, who also opens the baton, notched her first international cent during the 2018 Australian Tour of India, when she scored 115 133 in a 97-run victory in the third ODI in Vadodara.
“It’s a great place to travel. For me personally, it’s nice to be back here. The place has great memories; the hundred young girls will last a lifetime,” Healy said on the eve of their five-game T20I series opener here.
For both teams, the series will kick off the countdown to the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February next year.
In their last encounter, Australia beat India en route to Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham.
“I’m really excited to play against a quality team. It’s great to be back, we’ve been here a long time. It’s exciting for me as captain,” said Healy, who took the reins after regular skipper Meg. Lanning has taken an indefinite personal hiatus.
“Obviously we are aware of the danger of the power they (India) have, so that’s great for cricket as well. We know we’re going to fight.”
The captaincy is an additional responsibility, but she savors every moment of it.
“It’s an extra challenge, opening, keeping the wicket and being captain. But I like high pressure situations, it’s about managing workloads. I’m lucky to have good leaders, I can lean on. I have no ego when it comes to leadership.”
Healy also spoke about the talented youngster Shafali Verma who will lead India’s U-19 side at the inaugural U-19 World Cup in South Africa next month.
Shafali and Richa Ghosh, who are also part of the senior squad, will join the U-19 camp before the World Cup and will not be available for the entire series against Australia.
Healy thinks their presence will help the younger players. Both have been part of the Indian senior team for some time and have competed in ICC events.
“Some of these young players will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with these players who have already played international matches at the highest level,” Healy said.
“If you stack your U-19 squad with your full international squad, that could be a problem, but from my perspective having Shafali and Richa Ghosh will do wonders for those young players coming in and they can choose. what works well, what doesn’t work in international cricket and that’s a good thing,” she added.
