In a major blow for Australia, skipper Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of her team's Women's World Cup 2025 league stage clash against England on Wednesday, October 22. Healy, who has been in top form in the tournament with 294 runs, picked up a calf strain in a training session on Saturday.
Things could worsen for Aussies as they will face an anxious wait for Healy's availability for the business part of the tournament. She will miss Australia's clash against England in Indore and will be assessed ahead of the team's final group clash against South Africa on Saturday, October 25.
In her absence, Tahlia McGrath will be leading the side, while Beth Mooney will take over the wicketkeeping gloves.
While Australia have already qualified for the semifinals, they are in a fight for finishing at the top of the points table. Currently positioned at No.1, the Aussies have nine points from five matches and are one of the only two unbeaten teams in this tournament, alongside England.
While Australia are on top of the standings, only one point separates the top three teams in the points table, with the Proteas being in third place. The three teams have already booked their spots for the semifinals, while there is one place remaining, with four teams battling out for it.
Australia don't know when or where they will be playing their semifinal currently. If Pakistan manage to pull off a late entry into the semis, one of the two semifinals will be played in Colombo or otherwise in Guwahati.
Healy has been in brilliant touch in the tournament, having been the top scorer with 294 runs. She scored 142 against India and an unbeaten 113 against Bangladesh, playing major roles in her team's wins. The 142 against India came during a record chase of 331, which is the highest-ever in the history of women ODIs.
