In Sunday’s first ODI of the Ashes series against England at North Sydney Oval, Australia skipper Alyssa Healy will return to wicketkeeping responsibilities.

Less than 24 hours before the highly anticipated battle, Healy revealed during a drill that she was ready to put on the gloves once again after overcoming a slew of ailments over the previous several months.

Healy, who has been recovering from a knee ailment since November, said she was relieved and happy to be back. ESPNcricinfo cited Healy as stating, “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t any doubt, particularly after a rough couple of months.” However, everything has gone as planned. I feel quite confident and ready to go out there and do the job.

She is steadfast in her dedication to the squad. If I thought I would disappoint the team, I wouldn’t be doing it. “I can’t wait to go back out there tomorrow,” she said.

Healy has had a difficult injury history lately. When she played against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in October, she tore her plantar fascia. After that, she suffered a knee injury playing for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL, which prevented her from playing in Australia’s ODI series against India. Healy only played as a hitter on the next visit to New Zealand, with Beth Mooney filling in as wicketkeeper.

Healy recognized that some rotation could be necessary due to the demanding schedule of seven games, including a four-day Test, in 22 days, despite her confidence.

She said, “We’ll see how the body goes, but I’d love to stay in every game.” With teenage batsman Georgia Voll, who has shown promise in recent games, and Mooney as the backup wicketkeeper, Australia is equipped to handle any situation.

Voll has established herself as a reliable choice because to her outstanding performances, which include a century and an average of 86.50 in her first three ODIs. In a warm-up game, she opened with Healy to demonstrate her versatility. If Healy has to take a break, she could fill in as a fielder or hitter.

In the meanwhile, Australia must choose between adding Georgia Wareham as an extra spinner for the opener and Darcie Brown, a fast bowler.

The fitness of pacemaker Kate Cross is being questioned, which presents selection issues for England as well. Cross has been recuperating since she needed an epidural over Christmas due to a bulging disc in her back. Heather Knight, the captain of England, said that Cross’s performance during the pregame training will determine whether or not she was included in the final choice.

Crossy is having some difficulty because of a back problem. We’ll decide after training, and she’ll have a bowl today,” Knight said.

Other seam alternatives available to England include Lauren Bell, who took 12 wickets on the South Africa tour, and Lauren Filer, whose quickness and bounce give their attack a fresh perspective. Knight commended Filer’s development since her memorable 2023 Ashes Test debut, in which her speed caused Australia problems.

She ruffles feathers and bowls balls that take wickets. We want her to accomplish it,” Knight said.