Australia face big selection calls for Healy’s farewell

Retiring star Alyssa Healy is backing Ellyse Perry to prove her fitness for the day-night Test against India, starting in Perth on Friday. SportCricketAustralian cricketAustralia face big selection calls for Healy’s farewellBy AAP March 6, 2026 — 1.12pmSaveLog in, register or subscribe to save articles for later.Save articles for laterAdd articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.Got itNormal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text sizeAdvertisementRetiring star Alyssa Healy is backing Ellyse Perry to prove her fitness for the day-night Test against India, starting in Perth on Friday.While a major focus of the upcoming Test has been on Healy’s farewell, there are also big question marks about the make-up of Australia’s XI following a spate of injuries.Alyssa Healy ahead of her final match for Australia at the WACA in Perth.Credit: Getty ImagesNew skipper Sophie Molineux (back) and Kim Garth (quad) have already been ruled out of the Test, while Perry is no guarantee to play after missing the three-match ODI series with a quad injury.Perry has trained with the side in the lead-up to the pink ball Test, but if she plays, it will be as a batter only.“For her to be able to take part in this series again is huge,” Healy said.“From all reports it wasn’t exactly a straightforward niggle that she had, so her ability to get back up for this game is pretty remarkable.“Playing Test cricket for us girls is few and far between at times. So I think she’ll be chomping at the bit to get out there.”Healy hinted there will be a Test debutant.AdvertisementThat will most likely be in the pace bowler stakes, with uncapped pair Maitlan Brown and Lucy Hamilton in the running to earn their first Test cap.Fellow pace bowler Darcie Brown, who has played five Tests, is also in the frame to be picked.Hamilton returned figures of 0-46 in her ODI debut on Sunday, but the 19-year-old left-hander is considered a star on the rise.“We’ve loved seeing left-arm quicks run in here at the WACA over the years, so I’m excited if she gets the opportunity to see her do her thing,” Healy said.“She’s an incredibly mature 19-year-old, and well deserved of a ODI debut, and if she happens to get the baggy green, then I’m excited to see what she can do.”And is there any doubt about spinner Alana King being picked for what is a traditionally pace-friendly WACA wicket?“I’m not sure you’re taking it away from her after a five-for at the MCG in our last Test match,” Healy said in reference to King’s hauls of 5-53 and 4-45 when Australia thrashed England last year.“In ODI and Test cricket, she’s our No.1 leg spinner. So I dare say if you took that away from her, there might be a few phone calls.”Australia lead the multi-format series 8-4, meaning India must win the Test in order to draw the series.SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save articles for later.Australian cricketTest cricketMost Viewed in SportLoadingFrom our partnersLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentAdvertisement