The defending champions Australia women’s cricket team have received a timely and significant boost in their bid to overcome hosts India women’s cricket team in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Their skipper and wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy, who had missed the last two league-stage matches due to a calf injury, has completed a fitness test, gone through wicket-keeping drills and a full net session and is now in contention for the knockout match against India.
Healy’s return is particularly timely given her red-hot form earlier in the tournament. She has piled up 294 runs in just four innings at an average nearing 100 and a strike rate in excess of 131. She smashed a commanding 142 in one innings earlier against India, signalling the kind of attacking threat she poses. With her back in the fold, Australia’s batting fire-power gains a critical edge.
From a psychological and strategic perspective, her return can’t be overstated. Healy is not only a top-order batter capable of taking the game away from opponents early, but also brings leadership, experience in big matches, and confidence to the dressing room. Having missed recent games, her comeback ahead of the semi-final gives Australia an opportunity to recalibrate and plug any gaps. The fact that she was seen keeping wicket and batting in practice suggests the team management views her as ready to resume full duties — wicket-keeping, batting and on-field leadership.
The timing is crucial. Australia have entered the knockout phase undefeated, having demonstrated consistency across both batting and bowling departments. With the semi-final set to take place in India, where the home side enjoys both local conditions and adoring fans, any crack in Australia’s armour could be seriously exploited. The return of their skipper strengthens their resistance to pressure and adds stability to the lineup.
For India, this development offers a reminder that their opponents will marshal nearly full strength and that complacency cannot be entertained. The hosts must therefore bring their A-game, particularly given that Australia are used to executing under pressure and accumulating experience in major tournaments. The presence of Healy means that Australia has a genuine match-winner who can tilt the contest early. India, accordingly, will need to plan for her threat and perhaps target her early to reduce the risk of her taking control of the game.
On the flip side, the fact that Healy has missed matches may mean she isn’t at full match rhythm. Australia must ensure she is properly managed so that the return does not backfire due to rustiness or physical concerns. Given that she underwent a calf-injury lay-off, the team’s medical and support staff will have monitored her workload carefully. The net session and wicket-keeping drills suggest confidence in her readiness, but as with all returns from injury, there’s an element of caution. How the team integrates her back into match conditions will be a key decision.
In summary, Australia’s women’s team heading into a semi-final against India with Alyssa Healy cleared and preparing to play is unquestionably a “big boost”. It raises their chances of navigating the knockout phase successfully and potentially carrying their unbeaten run further. For India, the challenge is clear: confront a full-strength Australia, plan for Healy’s return, and bring intensity from the outset. The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown — and with Australian firepower now reinforced, the semi-final promises to be a gripping contest.