Alyssa Healy credits bowlers for the series win against New Zealand

Australia opener Alyssa Healy has said that the bowlers have to be credited for performing consistently and bringing Australia back into the game after their eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Brisbane on Sunday (September 27). New Zealand were bowled out for 128, and it was the Australian spinners who stole the show with a brilliant performance.



"Our bowling attack has been sensational for the last 12-18 months, probably even more than that," Healy said during the post-match media interaction. "Full credit to them. They have worked really hard on their plans and bowling in this COVID break. It is great to see them come out and get the reward, especially, someone like Sophie (Molineux) today. Just shows what she can do on the big stage again."



She said that the Australians have a happy headache when it comes to the bowling attack as they have multiple options to pick from. "It's a great problem to have that we have lots of bowlers lining up," she said.



"All the spinners did a fantastic job for us. If required, the pacers did it as well. Delissa Kimmince today, Nic (Nicola) Carey got one over, she could have got a couple of over there. They are all lining up and waiting for a crack as well. It is a nice problem to have at the moment."



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Healy had a rough start to the series in the first T20I, however, she turned it around quickly with a 17-ball 33, and set the tone for Australia's chase of 128 in game two. The wicketkeeper batter said that she was pleased to do the job for the team. "When we are chasing totals like that, it is my job to take it to the opposition and get that run-rate down as quick as possible for the middle order to get the job done. Pleased that it came off today," she said.



"I'm happy that I played down the line of the ball, played straight as much as I could. Happy with that. Obviously, it puts me in good stead going into the one day format in particular."



Healy went past former India men's skipper MS Dhoni as the most successful 'keeper in T20Is. The 30-year-old has 92 dismissals as a wicket-keeper to her name after the second T20I, whereas Dhoni has 91. Deflecting all praise, Healy said that her achievement is a reflection of the quality of Australia's bowling attack.



"For me, personally, it just shows the strength of the bowling attack we have had throughout my career. They have given me all these opportunities... makes me think about all the ones that I have missed. But yeah, it's nice," she laughed.



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On Amy Satterthwaite's stumping, Healy said that she was confident that it was out from her position. However, she said that the time taken for the decision meant it was a close call, adding, "it's not every day you get the benefit of the doubt as a fielding side. I have two in a row now, hopefully, it continues."



The Australians have won the last ten T20I series they have played. The last time they were defeated was in 2017 by England. Reflecting on the team's achievement, Healy said that it is remarkable they they have managed to maintain a clean slate for the past three years, and everyone in the group should be really proud of it.



"T20 cricket is so hard to be consistent. I think its really the hardest format of the game to be really consistent it is one that we play a lot of."



"I do remember the period of time where we could not win a T20 series against the Kiwis - they were so dominant in that format. I guess for us to turn it around and play some really good T20 cricket, I guess the fact that there has been World Cups almost back-to-back probably enabled us to continue playing well, backing our ability," she concluded.