Skipper alyssa healy

Skipper Alyssa Healy: Skipper Alyssa Healy said Australia’s 84-run defeat to South Africa in the second women’s ODI was a reminder they cannot afford to be sloppy, as well as not be open to adapting quickly in international cricket.

Wednesday’s loss at the North Sydney Oval meant it was the first time Australia lost to South Africa in women’s ODIs. It was a game where Australia dropped five catches and were then reduced to 71/8 before being eventually all out for 149, setting up the stage for Saturday’s game to be the series decider.

"I think it's just plain and simple that you can't afford to be as sloppy and (we did) not adapt as quickly as what we needed to. You can't afford to do that in international cricket and we've proven that over the summer that when we've let ourselves down just even a little bit in all three facets, we're getting punished."