Australian cricket icon Alyssa Healy has announced she will retire from all forms of cricket following Australia’s upcoming multi-format home series against India, drawing the curtain on one of the most decorated careers the women’s game has seen.
Over a 15-year international journey that began in 2010, Healy redefined what was possible for a wicketkeeper-batter. By the time she steps away, the 35-year-old will have played close to 300 international matches, scored more than 7,000 runs and completed 275 dismissals, numbers that only hint at her impact on the sport.
Fearless at the top of the order and razor-sharp behind the stumps, Healy became synonymous with Australia’s era of dominance. She was a central figure in eight ICC World Cup triumphs and holds a suite of records, including the highest individual score in a World Cup final (177 vs England, 2022) and the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in women’s T20 internationals.
Healy’s ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs made her one of the most destructive batters world cricket has known. Her leadership legacy was cemented when she took over as Australia’s full-time captain in 2023. Under her guidance, the team delivered a historic 16–0 multi-format whitewash of England, a feat that underlined both her tactical acumen and the culture of excellence she embodied.
Her individual accolades reflect her stature in the game. Healy claimed the prestigious Belinda Clark Award in 2019, was twice named ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year and added a Commonwealth Games gold medal to her honours in 2022.
Domestically, she was a pillar of success for New South Wales, contributing to an extraordinary 11 Women’s National Cricket League titles. A founding player of the Sydney Sixers, Healy also left an indelible mark on the Women’s Big Bash League. Across 11 seasons, she amassed more than 3,000 runs and helped guide the Sixers to two championship titles, becoming one of the competition’s most recognisable and influential figures.
Reflecting on her decision, Healy acknowledged the emotions tied to stepping away from the game that has defined much of her life. “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.”
While she will not feature in the T20 matches against India, Healy will captain Australia in the ODI and Test components of the series, marking a fitting farewell on home soil. As she prepares to walk away, it is the simple moments she knows she will miss the most. “I’ll genuinely miss my teammates, singing the team song and walking out to open the batting for Australia. Representing my country has been an incredible honour and I’m grateful for one last series in the green and gold.”
When Alyssa Healy departs the international stage, she leaves behind more than records and trophies. She leaves a legacy of fearlessness, professionalism and inspiration, a career that not only delivered unprecedented success for Australia but also helped elevate women’s cricket to new heights.
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