Australia captain Alyssa Healy is embracing the opportunity to open the Metro Bank Women’s Ashes Series at Trent Bridge on Thursday, with the venue set to host the first five-day test on English soil.
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The wicketkeeper-batter, who played with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, will be playing her first match at Nottinghamshire’s home ground.
And with the series one of the most hotly anticipated across her international career, emotions are at fever pitch.
“I can’t wait to take in the atmosphere,” the 32-year-old said, “what an amazing time to be a female athlete over here, with the support that you can see. For us as an Australian group, we are relishing that and we are excited to be here.
“I have only been at Trent Bridge once before but I distinctly remember how amazing it was to watch a game of cricket and it is great to see that the locals are jumping in and wanting to be a part of it.
“There is a real buzz about this sport, and about women’s sport in particular. Just my experience from The Hundred last year shows how quickly it is growing here. We have got it all against us in terms of the conditions and the crowd, and it is something we are all really excited for.”
The series will be England Head Coach Jon Lewis’ first Ashes in charge of the Three Lions, having recently been seconded to the WPL with UP Warriors alongside Healy as his captain.
The latter believes Lewis’ impression on the England side is clear, and, as such, Australia will know what to expect when it comes to facing their old foe.
“England have proven themselves over the time of my career to be a really great cricketing nation,” she said.
“They are a great opponent and we know each other well, but there is a sense of unknown in both sides too. The next generation are banging on the door and giving us a glimpse of what Ashes cricket could look like for the next 10 years.
“They are aggressive and attacking and I absolutely love that. It is what they were speaking about wanting to bring. Having spent a bit of time with just his thoughts on the game and the way he wants to play it, it is reflected in his team.”
The Test Match could set the tone for the seven-match series, too, giving Healy greater motivation to start on the front foot.
“There is a sense of nervousness but mainly excitement,” she continued.
“It is one of the most hyped women’s ashes series that I have been a part of, and especially off the back of yesterday [Men’s Ashes Win for Australia], me and the whole entire group are ready to get out there and get underway to see what is going to unfold.
“I love that the Test is first up. It is a good opportunity for both group. There is a lot of points up for grabs and the prospect of five days means there will be a result.”
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Women's Ashes at Trent Bridge
England and Australia will lock horns at our home over five days from Thursday 22 to Monday 26 June, with the fixture set to break records for women's Test attendances in this country.