Healy 'on track' to lead Australia in Test in India

Captain Alyssa Healy is tracking well to play in Australia's women's Test against India but management are yet confirm her as a certain starter.

The star wicketkeeper-batter missed the entire WBBL after badly hurting her finger while trying to break up a fight between her two dogs.

But Healy, who was earlier this month appointed the retired Meg Lanning's replacement as Australia captain, is yet to be locked in to play in the historic red-ball match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, starting on Thursday.

Australia coach Shelley Nitschke insisted "everything's on track" but failed to lock in Healy's spot in the XI.

"She didn't keep in the 50-over game, but that's just part of her progression back to playing," Nitschke said on Monday

"Everything's looking really positive for 'Midge' (Healy) and everything's on track, as we expected, so fingers crossed for her it continues to go that way.

"All things being equal, we'll see her out there, unless there's some significant change."

Australia are expecting to encounter a spin-friendly pitch after India obliterated England by a record 347-margin in their Test last week.

Spinner Deepti Sharma starred with bat and ball, bagging nine wickets to bamboozle England's batters.

"It was interesting to watch," Nitschke said.

"The conditions out there at DY (Stadium) certainly made it quite challenging.

"I think it's just about reading the conditions at Wankede Stadium, but we also know that things could get quite challenging, but just making sure that we're well prepared for that."

Australia last played a Test in June when Ashleigh Gardner spun them to a famous Ashes win against England in Nottingham.

Australia's women last played a Test in India back in 1984.

"It's a tough one to prepare for," Nitschke said.

"The girls are coming off the back of the WBBL and it looks like we're going to get some really traditional subcontinent conditions, but it's also really exciting.

"I think everyone's just embracing the challenge."

The eagerly-anticipated tour will end with three ODIs and three T20s.

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