It began awkwardly, but a chat with Sir Viv Richards has buoyed form Australian batter Alyssa Healy at the World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies.
Ian Healy said he was flattered to hear master blaster Richards had sought out his niece Alyssa at the tournament, believing she was the ex-Test 'keeper's daughter.
Healy said they still hit it off after the West Indies great realised his mistake.
They had much to talk about after Alyssa Healy propelled Australia into the World T20 semi-finals with three straight half centuries.
The opener will be vying for her fourth straight player of the match award when Australia clash with India on Sunday morning (AEDT) to decide top spot in their group.
"It was fantastic that Viv Richards sought her out in the West Indies thinking she was my daughter," Healy said.
"He said 'you're dad and I had plenty of run-ins'.
"She laughed and said 'it was my uncle'.
"But she is certainly playing with great confidence and flair."
Alyssa Healy booked Australia's finals berth with a whirlwind 53 in their 33-run win over New Zealand on Wednesday.
It took her tournament tally to 157 at 78.5 and strike rate of 160.2.
The highlight has been a knock that would have made Richards proud - a 21-ball half century against Ireland on Monday, the second-fastest in women's T20 history.
"She is going unbelievably well," Healy said.
"It is a high risk way she plays at the top of the order. There are going to be days when it does not come off.
"The Australian team are playing with that risky attitude at the top knowing they have Ellyse Perry at No.7.
"They are chock full of performers who are confident and in good form so they are not that scared about top order collapses - it's great to watch."
Australia have won three consecutive games to start the tournament and 12 straight in the format.
Australian Associated Press
