Gearing up to defend their ICC Women’s World Cup crown, Australia skipper Alyssa Healy said on Tuesday that her team’s focus is firmly on extending their record haul. The seven-time champions arrive in the subcontinent carrying form, history and hunger, fresh from their commanding 2022 campaign where Healy’s unforgettable 170 in the final against England sealed the seventh title.
Now, under her own leadership, the world’s top-ranked team is focussed on defending their title.
Healy admitted she does not take the captaincy lightly but insisted she is motivated to drive Australia to further success. Speaking to JioStar, she said, “I’m focused on the job at hand, and that is to lead the side to an ODI World Cup. I don’t take it for granted, but I’m driven for success in this tournament, so it’s an interesting balance. Everyone wants to beat Australia, but we stay composed under pressure and fight back when our backs are against the wall. That’s how we wrestle the momentum back in our favour.”
Australia’s trademark mental edge was echoed by Beth Mooney, who underlined the side’s resilience. “As Australians, we have that never-say-die attitude. We are always in the contest and believe we can win from any position. The will to win and the belief within this group is what gets the job done.”
All-rounder Annabel Sutherland reinforced the team’s mindset: “The winning mindset is always about belief. A game can change very quickly; it just takes one moment. Having done that many times before, we have confidence in ourselves to do it again.”
For Georgia Wareham, returning to the squad after missing the last World Cup through injury brings both excitement and determination. “Missing the last World Cup through injury was tough, so getting the chance to play this year is exciting, especially in India with its amazing fans. I think what defines this team is its ruthlessness.
“We’ve often been in trouble, but different people have stood up at different times and pulled us through. Alyssa leads with passion and so much energy behind the stumps, it’ll be exciting to see her at this World Cup.”
Vice-captain Tahlia McGrath highlighted the balance within the leadership group, praising Healy’s energy and the contributions of senior figures like Megan Schutt.
“Alyssa and I are very different people, but we complement each other well on the field. She’s extremely passionate and vocal, while I try to be the calm head in the background. It’s nice to have that balance and work alongside her. And Megan Schutt, she’s super consistent, super reliable, and bowls the toughest overs. She flies under the radar for how good she is. Off the field, she’s our team DJ and definitely the cool one.”
Australia begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Wednesday at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.