NEW DELHI: As Team India is ready for the semi-final showdown against Australia in the Women's ODI World Cup, the rival camp has offered a crucial fitness update on their influential captain, Alyssa Healy. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter's status remains the primary concern for the defending champions.

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Hope for Healy's Return

Australia's head coach, Shelley Nitschke, remains optimistic that Healy will recover from her current calf strain in time to lead the team in the semi-final clash against India. Healy missed Australia's previous two victories against England and South Africa at Holkar Stadium due to the injury.

Her participation in the high-stakes match, scheduled for October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, is still uncertain, but Nitschke expressed hope. "She wasn't quite up to it (here) but she'll continue to be assessed," Nitschke was quoted by ICC on Sunday. "We're really hopeful for the semi, but still a few days to play out before that."

The Healy Factor

Healy's presence is particularly vital against India, as she was instrumental in Australia's three-wicket victory over the same opponent during the league stage. In that thrilling chase of 331, Healy single-handedly anchored the innings with a decisive score of 142 runs.