'Myself and an Indian player will open the batting initially' - UP Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy speaks up on opening dilemma in WPL 2024

In a recent statement, UP Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy acknowledged the delightful dilemma of selecting from a pool of quality international players for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, set to start on Feb 23. Reflecting on the inaugural edition's struggles with the opening combination, Healy expressed confidence in the team's improved choices this time around.

With renowned international stars Chamari Athapaththu and Danni Wyatt at their disposal, Healy hinted at the likelihood of opting for an Indian opening partner during the initial stages of the WPL. While Shweta Sehrawat remains a viable option following Devika Vaidya's release from the squad, Healy emphasized the team's preference for an Indian player in the top order.

Healy expressed her consideration of including Chamari Athapaththu in the top order for the tournament. Athapaththu, initially unsold in the auction, joined the Warriorz after England’s Lauren Bell withdrew from the tournament to participate in the T20I series against New Zealand. 

“That’s going to be the challenging part of our season. We know about the six international cricketers we have at our disposal and what they can do for our side, probably balancing their contributions,” Healy said in a virtual press conference as quoted by India Today.

“I would say it will be myself and probably an Indian player that will open the batting initially. We will probably give that a red-hot crack, she added.

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Highlighting Athapaththu's prowess, Healy mentioned her previous accolades, including winning the Player of the Tournament award in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) while representing the Sydney Thunder. This strategic acquisition adds depth to the Warriorz squad, and Healy is optimistic about the impact Athapaththu could bring to the team's top order.

“Chamari, if she does come into our playing order, I think she will be in the top order. We will have to wait and see how the season pans out,” Healy said.

Last year, our middle order saved us a lot: Healy

Acknowledging the vital role played by the middle order in the previous season, skipper Alyssa Healy commended players like Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, and Tahlia McGrath. She specifically pointed out how these players who are also the vital core of the UP-W side, rescued the team from challenging situations. 

“Last year, our middle-order saved us a lot and put us in great positions to win games at crucial stages. So, it is going to be difficult, knowing exactly what we have got and getting the balance right. But we will have to see how the season unfolds,” Healy concluded.

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However, Healy also recognized the challenge of managing the team's composition and achieving the right balance. As the season unfolds, the skipper remains pragmatic, acknowledging the uncertainty in determining the team's exact strengths and weaknesses.