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Lizelle Lee &...? 3 Players Who Could Replace Alyssa Healy In UP Warriorz Squad For WPL 2025

Jatin∙ Updated: Feb 2 2025, 3:32 PM

Alyssa Healy has withdrawn from WPL 2025 [Source: @VikasYadav66200, @MidnightMusinng/x.com]Alyssa Healy has withdrawn from WPL 2025 [Source: @VikasYadav66200, @MidnightMusinng/x.com]

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has been hit by a major bouncer before the season even begins. Alyssa Healy, the star keeper-batter and captain of UP Warriorz for the last two editions, has decided to skip this year’s tournament.

The Aussie skipper who has been battling a stress injury to her right foot is focusing on making a full recovery ahead of the ODI World Cup later this year. With Healy out of the equation, UP Warriorz now have some serious thinking to do. 

Finding someone who can match Healy’s explosiveness and versatility at the top of the order won’t be a cakewalk.  But cricket always has a way of throwing up surprises and there are a few names that could step up to the plate. 

Let’s take a closer look at three players who might just be the perfect fit to replace Alyssa Healy in UP Warriorz squad for WPL 2025.

3. Pratika Rawal

Sometimes, when one door closes, another one opens. Pratika Rawal is a name that’s been doing the rounds in cricketing circles ever since she burst onto the international stage. The young Indian opener, who went unsold in the WPL auction, has been making up for it with her bat ever since.

In just six ODIs, Rawal has hammered 444 runs at an average of 74.00 and a strike rate nearing 96. Talk about grabbing the bull by the horns! She even smashed a sensational 154 in one of her innings, showing she’s got the big-match temperament to match her raw talent.

What makes Rawal an exciting option is her ability to bowl handy off-spin. She’s a utility player who can contribute in more ways than one. If given the chance, Rawal could be the wildcard UP Warriorz need to fill the massive hole left by Healy’s absence.



2. Orla Prendergast

Next on the list is Orla Prendergast, the Irish all-rounder who’s been in red-hot form lately. If there’s one thing cricket fans love, it’s a player who can swing the bat and the ball with equal flair. Prendergast is exactly that kind of player.

In T20Is in 2024, she racked up 544 runs at a healthy average of 36.26, striking at an impressive 123.63. On the bowling front, she picked up 21 wickets, with best figures of 4/22, and a miserly economy of just 6.80. That’s the kind of all-round package every team dreams of having.

Prendergast’s ability to adapt to different conditions and perform under pressure makes her a strong contender. She may not have Healy’s flair, but she brings a gritty determination that can steady the ship when needed. UP Warriorz might just hit the jackpot if they take a chance on her.

1. Lizelle Lee

When it comes to sheer firepower, Lizelle Lee is in a league of her own. The South African opener has been a wrecking ball at the top of the order, smashing bowlers to all parts of the ground. If UP Warriorz want fireworks, Lee is their go-to player.

Her recent exploits in the WBBL 2024-25 are the stuff of legend. Back-to-back centuries, a highest score of 150*, and a jaw-dropping strike rate of 155.85. Lee was an unstoppable force. She’s a player who can walk out to bat and change the game in the blink of an eye.

But it’s not just her batting that makes her a perfect fit. Like Healy, Lee is also a wicketkeeper. This makes her a like-for-like replacement, bringing balance and aggression to the team. Lee’s approach to batting is all about sending bowlers on a leather hunt, and that’s exactly what the Warriorz need to stay in the hunt for the WPL title.

Conclusion

Replacing Alyssa Healy is no small task but UP Warriorz have a few options to consider. Whether they go for the youthful exuberance of Pratika Rawal, the all-round brilliance of Orla Prendergast or the brute force of Lizelle Lee, they are spoilt for choice. One thing is for sure: whoever takes Healy’s spot will have big shoes to fill.