Post by : Meena Ariff

Alyssa Healy, the 35-year-old Australian wicketkeeper-batter, has announced her retirement from international cricket, confirming that the upcoming series against India will be her last for Australia. Having taken over the captaincy following Meg Lanning’s retirement in late 2023, Healy leaves behind a remarkable career marked by multiple World Cup triumphs and outstanding personal achievements.

Healy has been a vital part of the Australian women’s cricket team, contributing to two one-day international (ODI) World Cup victories and six T20 World Cup wins. She revealed in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday that while she remains passionate about representing Australia, she feels she has lost the competitive edge that once fueled her drive, making this the right moment to step away.

Reflecting on her journey, Healy expressed how much she will miss the camaraderie with her teammates, the joy of singing the team song, and the pride of opening the batting for her country.

Since her debut in 2010, Healy amassed 3,563 runs in ODIs, including seven centuries, and scored 3,054 runs in T20 internationals with one century. Behind the stumps, she recorded an impressive 275 dismissals, cementing her place as one of the sport’s elite wicketkeepers.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive praised Healy as one of the all-time greats, highlighting her immense contributions both on and off the field throughout her 15-year career. Healy’s legacy stands strong independently of her famous cricketing relatives, including her uncle Ian Healy, a former Australian wicketkeeping legend, and her husband Mitchell Starc, a leading test fast bowler.

Having already retired from T20 internationals, Healy will play her final international matches in a series of three ODIs and one test match against India scheduled for February and March. Despite the growth of women’s cricket during her career and her remarkable consistency—missing only two matches since her 2011 debut—this final test will be only the 11th she has played in the longer format.

Alyssa Healy’s retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket as she leaves behind a legacy defined by skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport.

#Global News