NEW DELHI: Australia captain Alyssa Healy acknowledged India's strong desire to beat her side in the ICC Women's World Cup clash on Sunday but asserted that her team is equally determined to reinforce their dominance over the hosts.
India had recently come close to securing a historic series win against Australia but fell just short. Now, they enter the contest against the defending champions on the back of a defeat to South Africa - a loss that once again exposed the fragility of their top order.
ICC Women's World Cup: Tactical rejig on the cards as India seek balance against Australia
"India and Australia play each other a lot these days, so the rivalry has really blossomed. We know how much India wants to beat Australia, and we're equally driven to dominate here. That contest has become fierce over the years," Healy said while speaking to JioStar.
Although Australia enter the contest as clear favourites, a modest Healy was quick to downplay that tag.
"It's news to me that people consider us favourites for this tournament. I think it should actually favour India to take the trophy at home. They're really comfortable in their own conditions and are in a great place to challenge us," she said.
Healy though exuded confidence of retaining the title.
"I was reminded before coming here that Australia has never lost a World Cup in India, so, no pressure whatsoever! I have really fond memories of the 2013 World Cup, where I was a drinks runner at the Cricket Club of India.
"It was still amazing to be part of the campaign, and hopefully, we can replicate that success this year as well."
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said that maintaining an aggressive approach will be crucial to securing victory, and her team is eager to take on the challenge posed by the formidable Australians.
"I believe you are always on the back foot if you are not aggressive. Playing against Australia brings out the best in us as they test our limits. Defeating Australia is always challenging and special. Not only me, but all my teammates love playing against Australia," said Harmanpreet.
India Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana spoke about her long-standing and friendly rivalry with Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry.
"The battle between me and Ellyse Perry will go on till either of us retires. There will be times when I will hit her, and there will be times when she will get me out.
"Ellyse Perry is a legend of the game. Watching her in franchise cricket changed a lot of things in me as an athlete, especially in terms of where I want to get to," the elegant left-hander said.
Australia batter Beth Mooney also weighed in on India’s strengths and her admiration for Mandhana.
"India is quite a balanced side at the moment. They’ve got some great spinners in Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav, and a nice blend of youth and experience," he said.
"Smriti takes the game on, plays classy cricket shots; she's an unbelievable player. No doubt she'll lead from the front with the bat, and I expect her to perform across the tournament. She plays the pull shot really nicely, picks length well, and that's something I wouldn't mind being able to do myself."
(With PTI Inputs)
