Alyssa Healy has been encouraged to promote herself up the batting order, as the Australia captain prepares for the last act of her international career.
Australia has India on the ropes in the day-night Test at the WACA ground in Perth, with the home side expected to seal victory on Sunday.
India will resume play on day three at 6-105 in its second innings, still needing a further 20 runs to make Australia bat again in Healy’s final Test.
Overnight batters Pratika Rawal (43 not out) and Sneh Rana (14 not out) face a huge task to guide India out of trouble.
Healy made 13 in Australia’s first innings total of 323 batting at number four.
As Australia is expected to chase a small victory target, she may not bat again unless she promotes herself to opener.
Healy has indicated she is reluctant to move up the batting order, but her teammates may end up forcing her hand.
“I’d love to see it,” Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland said.
“I’m sure a few will be encouraging her. But you never know, you might see her with the ball first.”
Healy, a wicketkeeper by trade, is playing her 11th Test but is yet to bowl in the format.
The 35-year-old sent down her first overs in an international match just a week ago in her final ODI.
Given Beth Mooney is donning the gloves for the Perth Test, Healy could be thrown the ball at some stage as part of her farewell celebrations.
Annabel Sutherland made a century in Australia’s first innings. (Getty Images: James Worsfold)
Sutherland is almost certain to be named player of the match following her heroics with both bat and ball.
The 24-year-old snared 4-46 in India’s first innings.
She has already added two second-innings dismissals to her tally.
Sutherland made 129 with the bat to post her third consecutive Test century and fourth across her career.
AAP
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-08/cricket-test-australia-india-alyssa-healy-farewell-perth-waca/106429326