Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, is eagerly anticipating the first women’s Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in over 70 years, despite the anticipated low attendance compared to historical matches. Healy emphasizes the importance of pushing the boundaries for women’s cricket, preferring to play at the MCG and challenge norms rather than settling for smaller crowds at more intimate venues like North Sydney Oval, which witnessed a notable pink-ball Test in 2017.
Healy, returning from a knee injury, expressed her excitement at the upcoming multi-format Women’s Ashes series. The series will kick off with three ODIs starting on January 12, culminating with a day-night Test at the MCG on January 30. Reflecting on the strides women’s cricket has made, Healy recounted a recent photoshoot donning the gear of Betty Wilson, an Australian cricket legend, which highlighted the evolution of the sport’s attire and playing conditions.
The forthcoming Women’s Ashes schedule at the MCG marks the first such event since 1949, offering a symbolic bridge from past traditions to modern achievements. Healy’s enthusiasm is undeterred by attendance figures, underscoring her commitment to advancing the women’s game by embracing innovative and potentially risky ventures. The Australian squad has previously demonstrated their capacity to attract large audiences, famously winning the T20 World Cup in front of over 86,000 spectators at the MCG in 2020.
In preparation for the Ashes, Healy plans to resume her wicket-keeping duties in the Governor-General’s XI match against England on January 9. The broader Women’s Ashes schedule includes ODIs and T20s at various venues, concluding with the historic Test at the MCG, where the sportswomen aim to inspire and set new precedents for the future of cricket.
