Opener Alyssa Healy says Australia’s loss in the women’s World Twenty20 group stage to England earlier this week has served as a wake-up call for Friday night’s (1900 AEST) semi-final against the West Indies.
Healy also says the experience of being defending champions will help the Australians stay calm in the business end of the tournament.
“We had a chat and thought it was a pretty good loss for us to have,” Healy said at the team’s Colombo hotel.
“We were pretty much in control of that game right through and England took it away from us right at the end which is kind of what T20 cricket is all about.
“Momentum can swing pretty quickly.
“The experience of having done it before (winning the 2010 title in Barbados) has calmed the group a little bit. The majority of that squad is here, there’s a few new faces.
“It’s kind of nice to think we have done it before and we know what to expect.”
Healy, who was Australia’s wicketkeeper in 2010, is playing a different role in this tournament with skipper Jodie Fields behind the stumps.
The niece of former Test gloveman Ian Healy says running around in the outfield has been a big adjustment.
“I took one (catch) the other day. I was a little bit nervous when the ball was coming at me without my gloves but I took it so it’s all good,” says Healy, 22.
“I’ve been keeping all my life but I’ve been given an opportunity with the bat and I’m really enjoying being at the top of the order, facing the new ball, and running around in the field.”
Healy says she’s had a few good chats with her famous uncle over the years about the art of wicketkeeping and the game of cricket in general.
“So I’m really lucky to have someone like that in the family,” Healy says.
Healy says her opening partnership with Meg Lanning will be vital to Australia’s hopes of defending their title.
“Hopefully we can build on that going into the West Indies game and be none down going into 10 overs or something like that, then give Jess Cameron free rein going into the last 10 which would be pretty exciting to watch,” Healy said.
Healy says the Windies have the ability to beat any side.
“Their power hitting, they’ve got Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin who blasted a hundred in the last World Cup,” Healy said.
“Those two girls with the bat are going to be crucial for them.”