Alyssa Healy has detailed the discussions that led to her missing Australia's T20 World Cup semi-final meeting with South Africa, and stressed that one match does not define the team departing the tournament after their elimination.
Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of Australia's defeat, quashing their bid of four T20 World Cup titles in a row, the 34-year-old revealed there may have been a scenario where she was willing to risk further injury by playing in the match.
"It was a really hard decision to make last night as to whether or not we're going to give it a punt or not."
"I tried to make the 'team decision' and sat myself down, instead of taking the risk (of playing against South Africa).
"I'm not sure (how close she was to playing). I don't really know. It's a hard one to answer."
Healy ruptured her plantar fascia in her right foot, a band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes.
While a timeline on her return for future international assignments is unclear, Healy admitted watching on from the sidelines proved difficult, but expressed that a one-off result is not a reflection of the team's future standing in the international game.
"It was hard to watch, knowing that you can't really go out there," Healy continued.
"One bad night doesn't necessarily define us as a team.
"Yes, we'd have loved to win the trophy, but that's not the case. But I think there's been so many positives throughout this tournament in the way the girls are growing, learning and continuing to want to get better.
"It's been awesome, the environment we've managed to create, and the belief that we have within our side that anybody can go out there and win the game. It was good to see so many positives throughout the tournament."
Australia's hopes of a seventh title title were stymied by an excellent Proteas team, who charged into their second straight Women's T20 World Cup Final in a professional eight-wicket win.
Proteas on to the Final! | Digital Daily | WT20WC 2024
Having restricted Australia to 134/5 in the first innings, South Africa’s top order put on a display of hitting under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42 from 37) leading the way along with opening partner Tazmin Brits (15 from 15).
Read on: Superb South Africa stun defending champions Australia to reach final
But it was number three Bosch who really knocked the stuffing out of the Aussie bowling attack, scoring fast in her 74* from 48 deliveries to get her team well ahead of the rate, meaning there were few late nerves even when skipper Wolvaardt departed with 15 runs still required.
And fittingly it was Bosch who hit the winning runs, sparking jubilant scenes among the South African contingent in Dubai.
Match Centre and Scorecard
South Africa will meet the winner of Friday's second semi-final between the West Indies and New Zealand on Sunday evening (Dubai time).
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