Australia’s star wicketkeeper-batter and captain Alyssa Healy has called India the “favourites” to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, acknowledging the hosts’ comfort and strength in home conditions. Speaking to JioStar alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Beth Mooney ahead of the India vs Australia clash, Healy shared her honest thoughts about the pressure, history, and intensity of this fierce rivalry.
India Look to Bounce Back After Heartbreak
India’s dream run in the ICC Women’s World Cup hit a roadblock with a dramatic three-wicket defeat to South Africa in Visakhapatnam. But all eyes now turn to the high-voltage encounter against Australia on October 12, a side that has dominated the tournament’s history.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will look to turn the tide at home, backed by massive crowd support and their growing confidence in familiar conditions.
“Playing Australia Brings Out the Best in Us” — Harmanpreet
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur underlined how facing Australia always pushes her team to their limits.
“I believe you are always on the back foot if you are not aggressive,” she said.
“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 them.”
Smriti Mandhana also weighed in on her long-standing rivalry with Ellyse Perry, describing it as a duel that has grown over the years.
“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,” Mandhana said.
“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.”
Healy’s Humble Claim: “I Think It Should Actually Favour India”
Alyssa Healy, recalling her early days during the 2013 World Cup in India, admitted that the pressure is on the home team to deliver.
“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,” she said.
“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,” Healy added.
She also spoke about how the India-Australia rivalry has intensified over time.
“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.”
Mooney Praises India’s Balanced Squad
Australian batter Beth Mooney was full of praise for India’s squad composition, highlighting both experience and talent.
“I think 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,” Mooney said.
She reserved special mention for Smriti Mandhana.
“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. She plays the pull shot really nicely, picks length well — something I wouldn’t mind being able to do myself.”
A Clash That Could Define the Tournament
With the stakes high, the India vs Australia showdown is expected to be one of the defining matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup. India will bank on home advantage and their powerful top order, while Australia will look to extend their unbeaten World Cup record in India.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!