Green light for Healy to make mark at Cup

ALYSSA Healy has declared herself a certain starter for Australia’s opening match of the T20 World Cup in South Africa, having fully recovered from the calf injury which has kept her sidelined for the past six weeks.

The veteran wicketkeeper was forced to retire hurt in Australia’s fourth T20 in India last December and missed the recent ODI and T20 series wins over Pakistan.

Beth Mooney has filled in admirably behind the stumps and at the top of the order, smashing a century at North Sydney Oval in the one-day series, but Healy is primed to return for Australia’s opening match against New Zealand on February 12 after a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines.

“I feel like I've been doing six weeks of prep for this night in heels,” she joked on the Australian Cricket Awards’ blue carpet.

“I’m feeling really good, ticking all the boxes. I’ll be definitely right to go for that first game and hopefully get some games in before then.

“I’ve absolutely hated every minute. I hated watching the cricket on the TV; I couldn’t be a part of any of the cricket. It’s a lesson for me to make sure I’m looking after myself moving forward if I want to be a part of stuff.

“All the rehab’s gone really smoothly.

“And I’ve worked really hard at that, so hopefully it all comes together and holds together.”

Husband Mitchell Starc laughed along as she spoke, fully aware of how frustrated she was watching her teammates play.

“It's been a little bit entertaining because I’ve had my fair share (of injuries),” he said.

“So to see her go through her first bigger injury and how frustrated she gets with having to go to rehab or having to be the golf cart for golf … she’s done the work.”

It shapes as a massive few weeks for Healy, who has also nominated herself for the upcoming Women’s Premier League auction, which will be held during the World Cup.

Healy will command top dollar given her prowess behind the stumps, while her storied career with the bat will ensure every franchise chases her signature for the historic event.

“I registered basically the day after that news came out just to make sure I got in there on time,” she said.

“How exciting is that? I’d love to be a part of it.

“If I’m not, so be it, I just think the whole experience is going to be amazing for the players to get to go and be a part of it.”