Australia captain Alyssa Healy announced on Tuesday that she will end her storied career by retiring from cricket in March following the team’s home series against India.
The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter made her debut as a teenager and has been representing her nation for 15 years. She has participated in about 300 games in various formats, scoring over 7,000 runs and effecting 275 dismissals.
Healy, whose husband is Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, is reported to have said by AFP: “It’s with mixed emotions that the upcoming India series will be my last for Australia. I’m still passionate about playing for Australia, but I’ve somewhat lost that competitive edge that’s kept me driven since the start, so the time feels right to call it a day. Representing my country has been an incredible honour and I’m grateful for one last series in the green and gold.”
Healy, who succeeded Meg Lanning as Australia’s full-time captain in 2023, is renowned for leading the team to a historic 16-0 victory over England. She has participated in eight World Cup victories and is among the world’s best wicketkeepers and most destructive batters.
“Alyssa is one of the all-time greats of the game and has made an immeasurable contribution both on and off the field over her 15-year career. On behalf of Australian cricket, I’d like to thank Alyssa and congratulate her on an incredible career that has inspired so many and changed the game for the better,” said Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.
Healy, who was in the commentary box during the Australian men’s recent 4-1 Ashes thrashing of England, is anticipated to pursue a career in broadcasting. Healy is the niece of Australian Test great Ian Healy.
Three Twenty20 matches, two one-day matches, and a single Test in Perth are all part of the February–March series against India. Healy will only play in the Test and the ODIs.
