Alyssa Healy Announces Retirement from Cricket Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Alyssa Healy's Retirement Announcement
Alyssa Healy, captain of the Australia Women's cricket team, has declared her retirement from all cricket formats prior to the T20 World Cup 2026. Her final appearance in Australian colors will be during the home series against India in February-March. Healy shared this news on the Willow Talk podcast.
"Today, I officially announce my retirement from cricket following the Indian series. It was a tough choice, but it was necessary at some point," Healy stated on the podcast.
Healy Reflects on a 'Mentally Draining' Journey
Healy expressed that her decision was not sudden, citing the mental toll of recent years, primarily due to injuries.
"This has been a long time coming. The past few years have been mentally exhausting. I've faced several injuries, and it feels like my energy reserves are dwindling. It's becoming increasingly challenging to push myself," she explained.
Highlights of Healy's Distinguished Career
Healy, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, has participated in 10 Test matches, accumulating 489 runs with an average of 30.56, including a top score of 99, alongside three half-centuries, 22 catches, and 2 stumpings.
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), she has played 123 matches, scoring 3,563 runs at an average of 35.98 and a strike rate of 99.72, with a highest score of 170, seven centuries, and 18 fifties, while also achieving 85 catches and 38 stumpings.
In T20 Internationals (T20Is), Healy has appeared in 162 matches, scoring 3,054 runs at an average of 25.45 and a strike rate of 129.79, with a top score of 148 not out, one century, and 17 half-centuries, along with 65 catches and 63 stumpings.
In the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), she has played 129 matches, scoring 3,125 runs at an average of 25.82 and a strike rate of 133.71, with a highest score of 112 not out, five centuries, and 15 fifties, while also taking 60 catches and 45 stumpings.
Final Series Against India
India is set to tour Australia in February-March for a series that includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test. Healy will not participate in the T20I matches to allow Australia to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, but she will play in the ODIs and conclude her career with the Test match at the WACA from March 6-9.
"Having the chance to conclude my career at home against India, one of our most significant series, is special. I wish I could have done it in India during a World Cup, but finishing at home will be memorable," Healy remarked.
Announcement Driven by Circumstances
"I didn't intend to announce my retirement now; I wanted to wait until after the Test match against India. However, since I won't be participating in the T20 World Cup, it prompted me to make this announcement. It allows the team to prepare for the World Cup without me, which is a relief as I've been contemplating this for about six months. Finally sharing it feels right," Healy added.
Evolving Competitive Spirit
"I've always prided myself on my competitive nature and desire to win. However, as I've aged, I've noticed a slight decline in that drive. The WBBL last year was a wake-up call for me. Struggling to hold the bat with both hands was a sign that my passion for the game was waning," she reflected.
An Eight-Time World Cup Champion
Healy boasts an impressive record as an eight-time World Cup champion, having won the Women's T20 World Cup in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023, as well as the ODI World Cup in 2013 and 2022.