Aussies sweat on Healy
SEMI LOOMS AS MCGRATH STARS IN VICTORY
AUSTRALIA is sweating on Alyssa Healy’s fitness after the star opener missed the final pool game against tournament host South Africa with a quad strain.
Healy is now in doubt for Friday morning’s World Cup semi-final in what would be a big blow given she smashed scores of 55, 37 and 54 not out in the opening three matches in a stunning return from a calf injury that kept her out for seven weeks.
Batting star Tahlia McGrath, who guided Australia to a fourth-straight tournament victory and the place in the knock-out, said it was hoped the opener would be ready.
“We knew she’d have a little sort of fitness test this morning, but it was more of a precautionary measure with coming off a serious calf injury and with a pretty hectic schedule,” McGrath said after her brutal 57 off 33, which included 10 boundaries.
“So, yeah, we expect her to be fully fit and ready to go for us in the semi-finals. We’ve got such a strong, strong squad here and we’re playing some really good cricket, but four wins means nothing when you get to knockout finals.
“So, we’re going to have to be at our best and there’s some quality teams in the competition.
“So, yeah, like I said, we go in full of confidence, but it’s also going to be really difficult.”
Australia has the weaponry to cover Healy should she miss the grand final qualifier, with the defending champion showing its might with a comprehensive six-wicket victory as it chased down South Africa’s 6-124 with 21 balls to spare.
Beth Mooney donned the gloves in Healy’s absence and took two catches, while Ellyse Perry was promoted to the top of the order where she hit a couple of boundaries before she was dismissed by former Sixers teammate Marizanne Kapp.
The run chase looked fairly shaky when Mooney was out to leave the Aussies 3-40 after seven overs, but there was no need to worry with a couple of world-class all-rounders on deck to steer them home.
Ashleigh Gardner continued her stellar form with a patient 28 off 29 but it was McGrath’s time with her match-winning innings.
“I seem to thrive in difficult situations and I’m no good in the easier ones, but I just love a challenge,” she said.
Selectors now have a few days to settle on their line-up for a potential showdown with India in the semi-final.