When Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australia women's cricket team penned an official column for the International Cricket Council on September 22, 2025, the headline was clear: the squad is "in a great spot" ahead of the upcoming Women's Cricket World Cup. The piece, titled “Alyssa Healy: ‘We’re in a great spot as a team’”, confirmed that the team had already landed in India to fine‑tune their preparations.
Defending champions and the tournament at a glance
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025India will kick off on October 1, 2025, across venues in Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. Australia entered the event as the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in 2022, and bookmakers listed them as slight favorites with 1.65 odds on Ladbrokes as of September 20.
From winter camps to the Indian heat – the preparation timeline
The roadmap began with intensive winter camps from June 1 to August 31, 2025, hosted at Cricket Australia’s high‑performance centre in Brisbane. Over that period the squad logged more than 200 hours of joint training, 12 full‑squad sessions and eight practice matches. A crucial stepping‑stone was the six‑match Australia A series held between July 25 and August 5 at the Allan Border Field. Healy herself played every game, using the run‑in to shake off a lingering injury.
- June–August: 12 squad‑wide training sessions, 200+ hours.
- July 25‑August 5: Six Australia A matches – Healy featured in all.
- September 1‑15: Acclimatization camp in Mumbai.
- September 16‑21: Venue‑specific drills in Delhi.
During the winter, players also turned up in England’s domestic circuit – the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup – to get used to sub‑continental conditions that favour spin and high temperatures.
Fitness focus: Healy’s comeback and Molineux’s return
Healy, who missed the early part of the 2024 season with a shoulder problem, said, “Playing those six ‘A’ games was a huge tick for me after coming back from injury.” The personal quote underscored how the series acted as a springboard for her form.
Equally uplifting was the news about all‑rounder Sophie Molineux. After knee surgery in early 2025 – a procedure that followed a 2023 ACL tear and a 2024 stress fracture – Molineux passed fitness tests on September 18 at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Healy noted, “We’re especially thrilled to have Sophie back in the squad; it’ll be great to see her back in the green and gold throughout the World Cup.”
Squad balance: youth meets experience
The 15‑member roster, locked in on September 10, blends fresh faces like 22‑year‑old batter Georgia Voll with veterans such as 35‑year‑old pacer Megan Schutt. Healy described the line‑up as “incredibly well‑balanced with plenty of youth to complement the more experienced players.” Seven all‑rounders can bat in the top six and bowl a full ten‑over spell, giving the side depth in every department.
Support staff, science and the Indian environment
Beyond the players, a cadre of specialists has been embedded in the camp. Sports psychologist Dr. Michael Lloyd runs mental‑strength workshops twice a week, while head nutritionist Sarah Appleton has curated a diet plan that blends Australian staples with Indian cuisine to help the team cope with heat and humidity.
Acclimatization drills in Mumbai have focused on playing on turning tracks and practicing under simulated afternoon temperatures of 38‑40 °C. The team also used a portable high‑altitude chamber to mimic the thinner air of Delhi’s venue, a move meant to blunt any surprise when the tournament shifts north.
Experts weigh in and what the odds mean
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle told the Times of India that Australia’s “complete preparation package – camps, A‑series, mental coaching and nutrition” makes them “the team to beat, provided they keep the injury bug at bay.”
Meanwhile, former Australian skipper Meg Lanning praised the squad’s depth, noting that “having seven genuine all‑rounders means we can rotate bowlers without losing firepower.”
What’s next? Final practice matches and the opening game
The itinerary wraps up with two back‑to‑back practice games in Mumbai on September 25 and 28, each against a mixed side of local talent and former Indian internationals. Those fixtures will be the last dress‑rehearsal before the World Cup opener on October 1 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Healy summed up the mood: “We’ve put in the time both on and off the field, so we come in confident with that body of work behind us and are ready to play some ODI cricket.” If the team can translate that confidence into performance, a back‑to‑back title may just be on the cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Australia’s preparation differ from other top teams?
Australia combined a long winter camp (June‑August) with a six‑match A‑series, English domestic stints and a two‑week acclimatization block in Mumbai. Few rivals matched that volume of targeted practice, especially the mental‑strength workshops led by Dr. Michael Lloyd.
Will Sophie Molineux be fit for the opening match?
Molineux cleared the final fitness assessment on September 18 at the National Cricket Centre. The medical team gave her a green light, and she is expected to start in the XI unless a late setback occurs.
What are the key venues and conditions Australia will face?
The tournament will be played at Mumbai’s Wankhede (sea‑level, batting‑friendly), Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium (spin‑assisted pitches, cooler evenings) and Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium (large boundaries, high humidity). Australia’s prep has focused on spin on turning tracks and heat endurance.
How have betting markets reacted to Australia’s chances?
As of September 20, Ladbrokes listed Australia at 1.65 odds, making them the short‑odds favorite. The odds reflect confidence in their preparation and squad depth, though India and England remain close competitors.
What impact could a strong World Cup performance have on women’s cricket in Australia?
A repeat title would likely boost participation rates among girls, increase sponsorship deals, and justify Cricket Australia’s $45 million women’s program budget. It could also accelerate the push for a domestic women's T20 league.
