India can prepare spinning wickets at their own peril: Alyssa Healy

Alyssa Healy. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

In the lead-up to Australia’s tour of India, Alyssa Healy cautioned India about the potential consequences of them preparing turning tracks, suggesting it could be a risky move for the hosts. The much-awaited series will kick off with a sole Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on December 21, followed by three ODIs at the same venue and three T20Is, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, respectively.

Healy, recently appointed as Australia Women’s team captain after Meg Lanning’s retirement, highlighted the squad’s strength in quality spinners like Ash Gardner, Alana King, Georgia Wareham, and Jess Jonassen, emphasizing their world-class abilities.

“I’m actually really intrigued to see what sort of wickets they prepare. I think we’ve got a really, really good spin attack, so do that at your own peril. Don’t get me wrong, the Indians have got a strong spin attack as well, but we’ve got some of the best leg spinners in the world. We’ve got Ash Gardner, who took nine wickets on English soil with the ball in hand, so prepare spinning wickets at your own demise,” Healy was quoted as saying by India Today.

Australia have history of dominating in Indian conditions

Australia Women boast an impressive track record in limited-overs cricket on Indian soil. Out of 41 ODIs played, they triumphed in 35, enduring only six defeats. Similarly, in the T20 format, they clinched victory in 16 out of 21 matches. Notably, their dominance in the bilateral series against India continued, marked by a convincing 4-1 win, back in December 2022.

The 33-year-old’s comments hinted at Australia’s confidence in tackling spinning conditions owing to their proficient spinners. This confidence stems from their previous successes in Indian conditions, indicating their adaptability and skill, which has led to consistent triumphs in their recent encounters on Indian pitches.

Meanwhile, speaking of India Women, they have been consistently outclassed whenever they’ve encountered English spinners in their ongoing T20I series. In the first T20I, they were continuously challenged by players like Sophie Ecclestone and leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, and unfortunately, they couldn’t find the answers on the 22-yard pitch. Drawing inspiration from India’s struggles, Healy has strategically made a significant psychological move to get under the skin of the Women in Blue.