Alyssa Healy has showcased her desire to open in test match cricket. The batter has opened four times in Two Tests and despite having a difficult time, she wants to give it a go. Of course, the Indian superb bowling attack tested the batter big time but yes, wicketkeeping and opening has to be one of the hardest jobs in Test cricket. The batter has made 236 runs in eight innings at an average of 29.50 with a highest of 58.
The Women’s Ashes is here and for me as a fan of women’s cricket, it is unfortunate that the long format of the game is a rare occurrence for the hard working ladies. And since the test match between rivals England and Australia is here, the lovers of the long format and women’s cricket alike are excited. That is why you are lucky as a woman cricketer to just get an international test match and that is why Alyssa’s desires are understandable.
There's obviously ongoing chats about it. I think the approach we took in that last Test match we played was we'll see how we go. I mean, if things don't quite go to plan, we're out in the field for an extended period of time and I am feeling fatigued then we make that call on the fly and maybe I don't open the batting. But I'm always going to stick my hand up and say I'm ready to go and ready to contribute whether that be at the top of the order or with the gloves, so I'm sure it will be okay. Hopefully, we get the full four days in and I'm out there for all four days. I look forward to that challenge and test my body, physically and mentally. The chats are being had but at this point in time, considering it's such a one-off event for us, I want to be involved as much as I can. I still think opening the batting is the best time to bat in any format. It's going to be a little bit tricky, obviously with the new red ball, but I'm looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge that the England attack are going to throw at us.
Alyssa Healy, Wicketkeeper, Australia