January 23, 2025: Australia’s Women’s Ashes squad for the Test match certainly looks strong, even with some fitness concerns surrounding key players like Alyssa Healy and Ash Gardner. The squad depth that Australia has shown, especially with the talent in both the batting and bowling departments, will give them a solid foundation as they move into the Test action.
It’s a bit concerning to hear about Alyssa Healy’s foot injury, as she’s such a crucial figure in the team, both as a captain and a wicketkeeper-batter. The stress response in her foot sounds like something that might need careful management, and it’s good that the team is taking time to get more information before making a final decision on her availability. Her leadership and contributions in the middle order could be a significant loss if she’s unable to play.
Ash Gardner’s fitness issues are another worrying factor for Australia. She’s a vital all-rounder, and her ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds great balance to the team. Hopefully, with daily assessments, they’ll have a clearer picture of her availability for the Test.
Despite these uncertainties, the rest of the squad is packed with quality players who can step up in key moments. With the likes of Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, and Alana King, Australia has the experience and skill to stay dominant in the Test. The team has been impressive in the shorter formats, so the key question will be whether they can maintain that level of performance in the longer format of the game.