'Ready to go': Alyssa Healy, Ash Gardner locked in for historic women's Ashes Test despite injury woes
Updated . First published at
Australian captain Alyssa Healy is "good to go" for the historic women's Ashes day-night Test at the MCG on Thursday.
The star wicket-keeper was absent for the all three T20 matches against England, but has been cleared by the team's medical staff to play in the red-ball fixture.
The match marks the first time in over 75 years that a women's Test has been played at the famous venue and will be boosted by the inclusion of Healy.
READ MORE: 'We will not forget': Zverev heckler opens up on fiery moment
READ MORE: NRL star set for 'showdown' with club bosses as exit looms
READ MORE: Bunnies boss busts 'myth' despite evidence to the contrary
Healy admits it was "surprising" how well the injury had recovered in such a short span of time and couldn't hide her excitement to lead the side out against their rivals.
"I'm good to go and we'll make a final decision on what the XI looks like over the next little period," she told media on Wednesday.
Alyssa Healy speaks to media ahead of the women's Ashes Test. Nine
"We'll let those involved in the decision know. The final XI hasn't quite been decided on yet, but I'm standing her in front of you without a moon boot and saying I'm ready to go.
"It's been surprising to me, every single day I've done stuff just how well it's responded.
"I was pushed pretty hard yesterday, I was blowing … but we've done that on purpose to see what I can and can't get through. I've pulled up well and really positive.
"I think the medical staff have been really supportive of me wanting to push to play in this Test match in particular. We have done everything we possibly can.
"I still want to do the best by the team ... I'm confident in getting through the four days."
Healy kick-started the series with a bang, scoring 70 off 78 balls in the opening ODI clash, but struggled to make any major scores in her next two appearances.
The other tough selection call to make for the Aussies will come with the return of in-form all-rounder Ash Gardner, who is expected to return from injury.
Ashleigh Gardner raises her bat after striking a century against England. Getty
Gardner scored a brilliant century in the third one-dayer and was player of the match in the series opener, taking valuable wickets and proving a major asset in the field.
"From all reports she trained fully yesterday," Healy said.
"I have asked her every day how she's going and she says she is good to go. Hopefully we will see her out there tomorrow."
England will head into the match looking to avoid the first women's Ashes whitewash since the multi-format series was introduced in 2013.
