Alyssa Healy admits her “bittersweet” captaincy promotion has sealed the deal on her batting demotion in next month’s women’s Ashes.
The Australian wicketkeeper will lead the side in the multi-format series in England after Meg Lanning was a sudden tour withdrawal due to medical issues.
Healy told AAP last week she was already contemplating a move back down the order, and now she feels her added responsibility has sealed the deal.
“I think so. It’s been a point of discussion for a little while now,” she told AAP on Monday.
“Opportunities behind the stumps will be really crucial, especially with the Dukes ball.”
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Usually starve of red-ball cricket, Australia will play a five-day Test during the Ashes series before a four-day Test during the December-January tour of India and a four-day Test against South Africa at the WACA in February.
“It gives someone a real opportunity to nail that spot,” Healy said of whoever takes her spot at the top of the order.
“It’s a great time to do it.”
Even in opening partner Rachael Haynes’ retirement there is no shortage of options, with young gun Phoebe Litchfield and veteran Beth Mooney ready and willing.
Lanning took leave last year citing burnout, but her latest absence is understood to be a separate issue.
Asked how it felt to gain the captaincy amid her teammate’s health concerns, Healy said: “Bittersweet; I was upset.”
“It was weirdly emotional; hurting for Meg but excited by the opportunity.
“Everyone loves Meg and wants to see her playing cricket.”
Coach Shelley Nitschke said Australia’s Brisbane camp had come at the right time.
“I’m sure they were rattled. Meg’s in our thoughts, but we know she’d want us to go over and get the job done,” she said.
“We have good leaders, a lot of experience and we’ve been good over the years at adapting.
“She’s dealing with a medical issue and the best place for her to be is at home at the moment.”
Australia’s one-off Test against England in Nottingham starts on June 22, with three T20s and three ODIs to follow in the multi-format series.
Australia has retained the Ashes during the past four series, with Lanning’s team failing to lose a game during the last contest in 2021-22.
-AAP
