'Took the wrong risk at the end of the day' - Alyssa Healy on benching herself in T20 WC 2024 semi-final vs South Africa

Australia's dominance came to an abrupt end as they suffered a defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first semi-finals of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. Captain Alyssa Healy's absence due to a foot injury proved costly, questioning the decision-making process.

The injury began during Australia's group-stage match against Pakistan, where Healy retired hurt. She was seen on crutches and in a moon boot during subsequent matches. The team management was optimistic about her recovery and didn't seek a replacement. The 34-year-old skipper faced a difficult choice, ultimately deciding to sit out during the crucial semi-final. Healy revealed the extent of her injury post-match.

"I ruptured my plantar fascia - completely ruptured one and partially ruptured the other. It was just a matter of function and pain and what I could handle and ultimately, I probably, only had one game in me. Probably took the wrong risk at the end of the day," she said.

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It was a really hard decision to make last night: Alyssa Healy

On the semi-final day, Healy's appearance in full kit for the pitch inspection hinted at her return, but it soon became clear she was only there for the team photo. The decision to bench herself was made the night before the match. 

"It was a really hard decision to make last night as to whether or not we were going to give it a punt or not. I tried to make the team decision and sat myself down instead of taking the risk. It was hard to watch knowing that you can't really go out there and help, but like I said, it was good to see so many positives throughout the tournament. It hasn't ended the way we wanted, but I think we've done some amazing cricket throughout this tournament," she added.

The absence of their captain and star player proved costly as Australia suffered an eight-wicket defeat against the South African side. Healy opened up on the opponents' brilliant performance.

"They're a team full of confidence, and I think they played with that tonight. They out-intended us. I don't know if that's a word, but you can make something out of that. They came out ready to go and ready to fire, in particular with the bat... [and] made it look like a completely different wicket. But yeah, they're a team full of confidence," the skipper continued.

The loss ended Australia's dominant run in T20 World Cups, having won five of the last six tournaments. With Healy looking ahead to her recovery and the upcoming Women's Big Bash League, she is positive about the future of women's cricket. 

"I think the prospect of potentially a new winner of this tournament is hugely exciting for the world game. The investment and the opportunities there is now to play cricket right around the world, different conditions and all times of the year have done great things for the world game. And we're seeing teams really benefit from that, which is awesome," the 34-year-old concluded.