Ashes 2025: Alyssa Healy finds form just days out from the Ashes before Sydney’s wet weather spoils the party
Not even Sydney’s wet weather could stop Alyssa Healy from firing a warning shot to England on the eve of the Ashes, before rain stopped her from a return to a familiar role.
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Alyssa Healy’s surprising tour match cameo has paid off with the Australian skipper finding form with the bat before Sydney’s fickle summer weather robbed her of the chance to resume her role as wicketkeeper on the eve of the Ashes.
The veteran opener smashed 38 off 33 as she and Georgia Voll (57 off 42) added 91 for the first wicket as the Governor-General’s XI posted 8/183 before wet weather prematurely ended their already rain-reduced innings which was cut to 35 overs.
It’s been a frustrating few months for Healy who had her T20 World Cup campaign ended by a foot injury, before she returned for the Sixers in the WBBL for four games and struggled with the bat before a knee issue ended her tournament.
She then missed a series against India last month but returned for a couple of games against New Zealand where she scored 34 and 39 but didn’t keep.
Healy looked at ease with the bat, smashing six boundaries and a six in her whirlwind knock which was cut short by Sixers teammate Sophie Ecclestone who trapped her in front.
The English spinners did most of the damage before another heavy downpour forced players from the field at North Sydney Oval again, with the first of three ODIs to be played at the same venue on Sunday.
Sydney had enjoyed a very dry summer up until this week, with persistent rain forcing the BBL game between the Thunder and Hurricanes on Wednesday to be abandoned.
Heavy rain is predicted on Friday and Saturday, with up to 6mm expected on Sunday, although that’s most likely to fall in the morning and early afternoon.
Originally published as Ashes 2025: Alyssa Healy finds form just days out from the Ashes before Sydney’s wet weather spoils the party
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