Alyssa Healy delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring a blistering 142 that propelled Australia to triumph in the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history. They brilliantly hunted down 331 runs to defeat India by three wickets. Following her heroic effort, the Australian captain candidly shared details of her “grumpiness” that fueled the superb knock, her intense battle with full-body cramps, and a rather unconventional recovery method involving a couple of beers.
Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy watches the replay of her dismissal as she walks off the field after losing her wicket during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match between India and Australia at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
“Chasing down the highest one-day total in the women’s game – especially in a World Cup and in such a crucial moment – felt incredibly satisfying. It was a massive game for both teams, so knowing we managed to cross the finish line was truly special,” Healy reflected.
She elaborated on the grueling conditions in Visakhapatnam: “It’s quite hot and humid here, as is typical for India. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much breeze from the ocean, making it exceptionally tough. At one point, after I was finally out, I experienced a complete full-body cramp.
“I was in the changing room, unsure whether to lie down or just sit. Luckily, I’m feeling fine now. Strangely, the forearm cramp returned, but thankfully only in my bottom hand, so I could still manage with my top hand. Perhaps it even helped my batting!”
“Once I returned to the changing room and the air conditioning was on, my body decided to completely shut down the moment I stopped moving. But that’s okay – we had achieved the crucial part, and that’s what truly matters.”
Healy humorously recounted the immediate aftermath: “It wasn’t just me there; Megan Schutt was nearby, and our manager was on her laptop. Suddenly, I felt everything starting to seize up. The manager asked if I was alright, or if I needed help, and I simply said, ‘No, I’m fine.’ But then the cramp consumed my entire body, and I just curled into a ball.
“Next thing I knew, the physio came rushing in. I had no idea how she knew! It turned out our manager had discreetly texted her for help. Ultimately, everything turned out well.”
Later, on the Willow Talk podcast, host Adam Peacock playfully probed Healy about her recovery, referencing Mel Jones’s earlier comments on traditional methods like ice baths and pickle juice.
“There might have been a couple of beers on ice waiting for us when we got back,” Healy chuckled. “I figured that was the perfect recovery tool.”