Women's World Cup 2025: Australia skipper Alyssa Healy doubtful to play semi-final against India, head coach shares injury update

Australia Women are currently concerned despite being on the top of the table in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025, as their skipper Alyssa Healy is in doubts to take a part in the upcoming semi-final against India Women. She had missed both the league stage games against England and South Africa, after suffering a calf strain earlier in the tournament.

Australia Women head coach Shelley Nitschke addressed the media queries on Saturday, sharing the important update on Healy's injury. She confirmed that Healy has been having a bad time with her calf and hasn't recovered yet. The side is currently awaiting further assessments on the wicketkeeper-batter closer to the game on Thursday, October 30, to be played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.

“Obviously she wasn't quite up to it tonight, but she'll continue to be assessed. We're really hopeful for the semi, but there are still a few days to play out before that. We're hopeful again, and she'll just continue to be assessed the closer we get to the game,” Nitschke said during the press conference after the dominant win against South Africa.

Sophie Ecclestone doubtful for England Women

On the other hand, England Women might be without the services of their star left-arm spinner, Sophie Ecclestone. The cricketer underwent a shoulder discomfort after landing badly on her left shoulder during the encounter against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. She was confirmed to have been ruled out from taking any further part in this particular contest, also casting shadows over her availability in the semi-final.

“After landing awkwardly on her left shoulder in the field in the first over, Sophie Ecclestone experienced more discomfort in her left shoulder while bowling and is now receiving treatment. As a precaution, she won't return to the field during England's bowling innings,” England Cricket gave an official update during the first innings of the clash. 

England are poised to play the first semi-final against South Africa Women at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, October 29. The winner of this clash will be confirming their berth in the final on Sunday in Navi Mumbai.