Australia captain Alyssa Healy brought the curtain down on her Test career with a memorable victory as Australia defeated India in the one-off Test at the WACA Ground. The result marked a fitting finale for the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who reflected on the team’s resilience, the importance of the longer format and the promising future of Australian women’s cricket during an emotional post-match presentation.
Australia delivered a dominant performance in the match, bouncing back strongly after disappointment in the T20 leg of the tour. Healy said the team had responded brilliantly to the earlier setback, praising the way the group regrouped and executed their plans across the Test. “Really pleased with that effort. Bouncing back from the T20 series, there was a bit of disappointment and uncertainty. The way they have played the last four fixtures has been unbelievable”
The Australian captain also spoke about the unique value of Test cricket in the women’s game, noting how the format allows bowlers and batters to engage in deeper tactical battles that are rarely possible in limited-overs formats. She revealed that even inside the dressing room, some players had come away from the match with a renewed appreciation for the longest form of the game. “I walked into the change room, with Hamilton saying Test cricket is her new favourite format. White-ball does not give us that opportunity – to set up batters and set up innings. Long live Test cricket, and hopefully we get more of it,” she said.
While the win was a significant moment for the team, it was also a personal milestone for Healy, who made her final international appearance. The captain said she was looking forward to soaking in the celebrations and sharing one last team moment in the dressing room. “I am going to enjoy the next little bit and sing the team song one final time. Excited to see this group, led by Sophie Molineux, and hopefully I can turn into that bitter ex-player who tells them how to do stuff” Healy said.
She also highlighted the emerging generation of Australian cricketers, including young batters Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll, who are widely seen as key figures in the team’s future. Healy joked that although she briefly considered opening the innings herself, she decided against stepping in front of the next wave of talent. “Gotta protect my average of 20 (smiles). Watching the future of Australian cricket (Litchfield and Voll) mark center and did not want to get in the way. Have had my time in the sun,” she said.
Healy also took time to acknowledge the efforts of India, thanking the visiting side for their competitiveness throughout the tour. She noted the challenge of arriving in Australia after a demanding campaign in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and still producing strong performances across formats. Looking ahead, she wished the Indian side well for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, even suggesting that a final between the two teams would be a fitting spectacle for fans.
As she addressed the crowd, Healy also expressed her gratitude to supporters who have followed her journey over the years, acknowledging that players often remain focused within the competitive “bubble” and may not always realize the level of support they receive from outside.
With her final Test now complete, Healy leaves behind a legacy as one of the defining players of her generation, she has played a central role in one of the most successful eras in Australian women’s cricket, and her farewell Test victory provided a fitting end to an extraordinary chapter.
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