In a dramatic turn ahead of the semifinal of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Australia has made key changes to their playing XI: skipper Alyssa Healy is back in the side after recovery from injury, and spinner Sophie Molineux replaces legspinner Georgia Wareham. They won the toss and elected to bat first against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
On the Indian side, a notable return came in the form of opener Shafali Verma, who has been out of the ODI setup for about a year, stepping in for the injured Pratika Rawal. India also brought in other changes: Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud were included, while Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry were rested.
Why the Changes Matter
For Australia, Healy’s return adds experience and leadership back to the squad at a critical knockout stage. With Molineux’s inclusion, they gain an additional spin option that might exploit the conditions at the venue.
For India, bringing Shafali back suggests a focus on bolstering the toporder firepower. Given the quality of the opposition and the magnitude of the match, the changes underline the teams’ strategic intent.
Conditions & Context
The match takes place in overcast conditions at the venue, which prompted Australia to bat first. Healy noted that the conditions looked “good” for batting and that her rehab break had helped her regain fitness. India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that they had also considered batting first but opted to bowl given the overhead conditions. ([India Today][3])
Australia come into this match with a dominant record in Women’s ODI World Cups, on a long winning streak. India, on the other hand, have made the semifinals fewer times but will look to upset the favourites. ([ESPN][1])
What to Watch
How Healy’s fitness and leadership impact Australia’s batting approach.
Whether Molineux can exploit the conditions with her spin.
Shafali’s return — will she provide the attacking spark for India?
How India’s changed combination holds up under pressure in a semifinal.
The toss and how the team batting first makes the best use of the conditions.
FAQs (English)
Q1: Who returned to Australia’s side?
Alyssa Healy and Sophie Molineux.
Q2: Who is India’s major inclusion?
Shafali Verma returned, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal.
Q3: What did Australia decide at the toss?
They elected to bat first.
Q4: What are the conditions like?
Overcast, with possible assistance for bowling early; batting first looked desirable.
Q5: Why are these changes significant?
They reflect strategy and fitness decisions ahead of a high-stakes knockout match.