'Ready to go' but skipper Healy may miss Test spot

Alyssa Healy is desperate to lead Australia in the historic women's Ashes Test at the MCG but could still be overruled by selectors.

The 34-year-old fronted the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, declaring she felt ready for the day-night clash with England.

But a final decision will be taken out of her hands as she attempts to prove her fitness from a foot injury.

"I feel like I'm ready to go, so we'll wait and see what happens," Healy said.

"The final XI hasn't quite been decided upon just yet, but I'm standing here in front of you without a moon boot saying I'm ready to go."

Wicketkeeper Healy, who will play as a batter-only in the Test, underwent a gruelling fitness test on Tuesday night.

She was the last Australian player to leave the nets, ending the session by batting after being put through big stints of running.

"It's been surprising to me every single day that I've done some stuff just how well it's (the foot) responded," Healy said.

"I was pushed pretty hard yesterday. You all saw me. I was blowing a fair bit.

"We've done that on purpose to try and see what I can and can't get through, and I've pulled up really well."

It is the first women's Test at the MCG since 1949, with Healy's all-conquering team returning to the venue for the first time since their famous T20 World Cup final win in 2020.

At 34, Healy is well aware she may never get another opportunity to play in a match at the MCG.

She missed the T20 sweep of England in the multi-format series that allowed Australia to take unassailable 12-0 points lead.

"We've done everything we possibly can to get myself in a position to put my hand up," she said.

"There's a little bit taken out of my hands in that regard ... I obviously still want to do the best by the team."

But star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner, who spun Australia to victory in the last women's Ashes Test at Nottingham in 2023, is almost certain to take her spot.

Gardner also missed the T20s due to calf injury.

"I've asked her every day how she's going," Healy said.

"She said, 'I'm good to go'.

"So hopefully she trains well (on Wednesday), and we'll see her out there."

England, who are trying to avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed since the multi-format Ashes was introduced in 2013, have been dealt a major blow.

Veteran pacer Kate Cross bowled in the nets on Tuesday to try to prove her fitness but has been ruled out of returning for the match.