Rachael Haynes backs India to do well at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, predicts Australian, England and South Africa to make the semifinals

Rachael Haynes Reflects on Her Career and the Rise of Women’s Cricket in India

NEW DELHI: Rachael Haynes, one of the defining players of Australia’s golden generation in women’s cricket, has officially retired, leaving behind a glittering legacy that includes two ODI World Cups and four T20 World Cups. The 38-year-old, who made an unforgettable 98 on her Test debut against England in 2009, also captained Australia during their successful Ashes defense in 2017 and was celebrated for her batting, sharp fielding, and leadership.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu in New Delhi, Haynes shared her thoughts on the evolution of women’s cricket in India and her experiences across formats and tournaments.

On the growth of women’s cricket in India:
“Being part of the inaugural WPL season in 2023 was exciting. The India-Australia series this year has also been fascinating, as both teams prepare for the World Cup. India is currently a team with momentum, and that’s important heading into a big tournament,” Haynes said. She emphasized that the Women’s Premier League, modeled differently from Australia’s WBBL, has brought a fresh spectacle to the sport with competitive auctions and notable financial rewards for players.

Coaching the Gujarat Giants in WPL:
Haynes reflected on her stint as head coach of Gujarat Giants, which faced a setback when star player Beth Mooney suffered an injury in the opening match. “Losing Beth meant losing both her keeping and batting skills, which affected our balance. But it was a great experience working with local players and seeing them grow,” she noted.

Memorable moments from Indian cricket:
Haynes recalled Harmanpreet Kaur’s stunning innings in the 2022 WPL and her own encounters with Indian stars. “I’ve played alongside Harmanpreet in Sydney Thunder, and her hitting ability is phenomenal. Her innings in the 2017 World Cup semifinal against Australia was extraordinary,” she said. She also highlighted her own contributions in the 2022 World Cup final against England, where she scored 68 alongside Alyssa Healy in a crucial first-wicket partnership.

Looking ahead to the World Cup in India:
Haynes is excited about the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup starting September 30, expressing hope for an India-Australia final. “It’s a huge privilege for India to host a home World Cup. Playing in front of a passionate crowd, like in the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne with 86,000 fans, is an incredible experience,” she said.

Potential semifinalists:
Haynes predicts strong performances from England, led by Heather Knight, and South Africa, citing their solid domestic circuits and talented squads. She also praised Australia’s approach to nurturing young players like Nicole Faltum and Charli Knott, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.

On the evolution of women’s cricket globally:
“The game has evolved tremendously, driven by increased investment from boards like Australia, England, and India. The success of top teams is underpinned by strong domestic programs,” Haynes said, noting that even teams like New Zealand have benefited from global domestic exposure.

Rachael Haynes’ reflections underline both the personal achievements of a decorated player and the broader rise of women’s cricket worldwide, particularly in India, where the sport is rapidly gaining momentum.