Chennai: Her surname does ring a bell. Australian women’s team wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy is the niece of legendary gloveman Ian and her father Greg was a first-class cricketer for Queensland, but the relationship that gave her celebrity status Down Under was her engagement to Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc.
Alyssa and Starc have been childhood friends and used to play backyard cricket together. The 25-year-old said she always wanted to be a fast bowler, but “unfortunately” ended up behind the stumps because of her short stature.
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Actually, Mitchell and I used to share the ’keeping duties during age-group matches, but he grew up fast and became 6 foot 5. But I never grew up! I am a frustrated fast bowler. I bowl in the nets whenever I can and I’m living vicariously through Mitchell,” said Alyssa, a key member of the defending champions.
Contrary to what people may think, Alyssa said, the cricket couple don’t discuss much about the game at home. “We have got enough support staff and friends to talk about cricket. Once we are back home, it’s anything but cricket. But we support each other’s career. Mitchell and I know what exactly we are going through as professionals,” Alyssa said.
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Apart from training together and motivating each other, having a companion from the same profession is a blessing, according to Alyssa. “Before coming to India, I have actually had a few discussions with Mitchell about pitches here. I wanted to know how they behave. It’s invaluable coming from a bowler’s point of view. Mitchell might pop up here to watch us play even though he is not in the men’s squad,” she added.
What does her uncle Ian think of her ’keeping skills? “No idea. I have to ask him one day. Hopefully, he likes it,” she quipped. Though there are women cricketers who compete with men at lower-level, Alyssa feels the game is too physical for them. “It’s obvious that the boys bowl quicker than we do. Men are bigger and stronger than us. They hit the balls a lot further. At this moment, it’s difficult for a woman to play with men at first-class. It could change in the future,” added Alyssa, who modelled her batting after former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting’s.
Alyssa said it would be fantastic if women and men draw the same amount of prize money in the future.
With the launch of professional leagues such as Big Bash and England’s Super League, there are more potential for women to earn more money and make a career out of cricket. Most of the countries have started issuing contracts and women are turning full-time athletes. Though there is no gender inequality in cricket, it would be fantastic, if it ends up on level terms,” she said.
