Alyssa Healy’s World Cup preparation is off to a flying start, with the Australian captain smacking a 60-ball century during the third unofficial ODI against India A in Brisbane.
The 35-year-old, who has struggled with foot and knee issues across the last 12 months, struck an unbeaten 137 from 85 balls on Sunday, steering Australia A towards a commanding nine-wicket victory at Ian Healy Oval. The right-hander thumped 23 boundaries and three sixes as Australia A reeled in the 217-run target with 133 balls remaining.
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India A, having won the first two matches, were bowled out for 215 in 47.4 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Opener Shafali Verma top-scored with a 59-ball 52, while wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia contributed 42 from 54 balls.
Australia A captain Tahlia McGrath claimed 3-40 from eight overs, including the vital dismissals of Verma and Bhatia, while spinners Ella Hayward and Anika Learoyd each snared two wickets.
Healy and opening partner Tahlia Wilson, who hit 59 runs from 51 balls, combined for a rapid 137-run partnership to put the hosts within touching distance of the target. The Australia A wicketkeeper, who clobbered an 87-ball 91 during Friday’s match at the same venue, was dropped on seven and later recalled by the umpires after an Indian fielder claimed an illegitimate catch.
“Alyssa batted well today. All pre-season she’s been looking good and it was just nice to see her get some match practice and put that into place heading into India,” Australia A coach Dan Marsh said.
“She’ll be really happy with her two weeks, will have a nice little rest at home now and be ready to go to India.”
Healy finished the one-day series as the leading run-scorer with 242 runs at 121.00 having also top-scored during last week’s T20s with 124 runs.
Elsewhere, rising star Tess Flintoff was forced from the field with a hamstring complaint, while Australian quick Darcie Brown experienced some quad soreness.
Australia A will next play India A in a four-day match at Allan Border Field, commencing on Thursday. Healy won’t feature in the contest, with Wilson set to lead the Australians.
The Women’s World Cup gets underway in the subcontinent next month.