Australia to leave Alyssa Healy decision late ahead of first ODI against New Zealand

Australia could leave it late to decide if captain Alyssa Healy plays in their one-day series opener against New Zealand, as officials keep one eye on the Ashes.

Healy has missed more than a month of cricket since suffering a knee complaint during the WBBL, including three ODIs against India last week.

Thursday's Rose Bowl opener against New Zealand kicks off three 50-over games in five days, before Australia have a two-and-a-half-week gap ahead of the Ashes.

If Healy were to play, it would be as a batter only, allowing her to open alongside Phoebe Litchfield while removing her workload behind the stumps.

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Back-up wicketkeeper Beth Mooney remains a ready-made replacement, given she is already in the XI and wore the gloves against India.

"Midge [Healy] is here in New Zealand with us and hopefully is available for all games," coach Shelley Nitschke said.

"Obviously, they are pretty tight games, so that comes into it.

"It depends what workload she will get in a particular game and we will just assess after each game, with … what we've got coming after Christmas."

Healy also missed the end of Australia's T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE in October with a foot issue.

The captain's return would create a potential selection headache ahead of the Ashes.

Georgia Voll starred in her absence last week, making scores of 46 not out, 101 and 26 in her debut series against India to help Australia secure a 3-0 win.

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In order to keep Voll in the side, Australia would need to drop an established player or dramatically change the balance of the side.

Sophie Molineux's absence from the side after being ruled out with a knee injury needs to be filled, but that could also be filled by leg spinner Georgia Wareham, who played the first ODI against India.

"Volly was fantastic coming in as a debutante and having the series she had," Nitschke said.

"It was so good to see we can bring someone in and have her perform and fit into the group so well.

"She is making a case for herself and [we will] see where that lands. We have so many options with both bat and ball."

AAP

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