Mitchell Starc’s hefty IPL paycheck is “great justification for the hard work” he has put in, Australia Women’s captain Alyssa Healy — the pacer’s wife — said on Wednesday.

“Look, it is what it is,” Healy, who got married to Starc in April 2016, told the media ahead of Australia’s one-off Test against India starting here on Thursday.

“It is an amazing moment for Mitch. It is a great justification for the hard work he has put in and (for) probably some of the choices he has made over the last eight years to put his country first.”

Soon after Starc made history for being the highest purchase in IPL history on Tuesday, a video showing Healy enjoying a beer and expressing her astonishment did the rounds on social media platforms, something the skipper rubbished.

“I was actually in the gym, working hard (and) watching it all unfold. (It was an) amazing day for him and Pat (Cummins),” she said.

Former KKR player Pat Cummins, who went to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 20.5 crore, was the highest bid till fellow quick Starc soon broke it.

Focused on maiden Test win vs Aus

Mumbai: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur wants the hosts to play with the same intensity that they displayed against England, when they take the field in the one-off women’s Test versus Australia starting here on Thursday.

India thrashed England by a record 347 runs at the DY Patil Stadium to record the biggest win for any side in terms of runs and will now look to register their maiden Test win over Australia.

India have never beaten Australia in 10 Tests and the contest will definitely challenge them in terms of fitness and temperament, given they are playing back-to-back matches.

“The way we played the first Test (of the season, against England), we want to carry the same energy into this one. It is very exciting, knowing Australia are such a good team and everyone wants to beat them,” Harmanpreet said after India’s training session on Wednesday.

Australia will be without Meg Lanning who has retired from international cricket recently, and in her place Alyssa Healy will lead the side.

Harmanpreet said Lanning’s absence will not make much difference as Australia have a strong side.

The India skipper said while the prospect of playing Test cricket excites her side,it has been slightly challenging to manage the players’ workload.

PTI