Ahead of the much-anticipated Australia vs. New Zealand Women’s T20I series, captains Alyssa Healy and Sophie Devine posed with the series trophy and exchanged some hilarious banter.
During the media commitments, the two captains joked about their World Cup experiences and the history between their teams.
In a video posted by the White Ferns on social media, Healy kicked off the banter with, “Do you remember we couldn’t beat ya for ages? Did you play the World Cup in England?” Devine replied, “Yes, that was a great period. It’s always shambles here. West Indies—it’s nearly time for me to go,” humorously reflecting on her experience in Australia.
The conversation turned to World Cup appearances, with Healy expressing surprise about India’s Harmanpreet Kaur having already played in nine editions.
“Is this your ninth (World Cup)? I didn’t realize Harmanpreet was 9. Chamari? She’s played 9, how old is she?” Healy joked, as Devine quipped that Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu was already 43.
When Devine mentioned she had recently turned 35, Healy, teasing, reminded her that she was only six months older. Devine responded with, “Are you calling me old?” keeping the playful tone alive. The banter escalated when Devine jokingly asked Healy if she’d be up for a boxing match. Healy, laughing, quickly declined: “Oh no! Thank you.”
After wrapping up the light-hearted chat, the two captains struck a power pose for the cameras, with Devine joking she might not be able to get up again.
Ahead of the three-match series, Healy clarified that Australia would field their strongest team, while Devine saw the competition as perfect preparation for upcoming challenges. The T20I series between the two teams kicks off on Thursday, September 19.