Sydney / Perth — Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday that Alyssa Healy, one of the most celebrated figures in modern women’s cricket, will retire from international cricket in March 2026 following Australia’s home series against India. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter and captain confirmed that after a distinguished 15-year career she will step away from the sport, bringing to a close one of the game’s most influential and decorated careers.
Healy’s decision marks the end of an era in Australian sport. Across formats, she has been instrumental in sustained dominance, inspiring a generation of players and fans while redefining wicketkeeping and batting excellence.
A Storied Career Across Formats
Healy made her international debut in 2010 as a teenager and quickly established herself as a dynamic presence behind the stumps and with the bat. Her aggressive batting style and exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper contributed to Australia’s success across all formats.
Over her career, Healy has accumulated more than 7,000 international runs, taken 275 dismissals, and earned a reputation as a match-winner in critical moments. She stands among the sport’s most accomplished all-round performers, with highlights including a record 170-run innings in the 2022 ODI World Cup final — the highest score in a World Cup final for any player, male or female.
Her leadership credentials saw her take up full-time captaincy across formats following the retirement of Meg Lanning in 2023, steering the team through memorable victories, including a historic Ashes whitewash.
Final Chapter: The India Tour
Healy’s farewell campaign will be tied to Australia’s scheduled series against India from February into early March 2026. The tour is set to feature three T20 internationals, three One Day Internationals, and a day-night Test match at the WACA in Perth.
While she has elected not to participate in the T20 leg of the series — allowing Australia to begin preparations for the forthcoming T20 World Cup under new leadership — Healy is expected to captain the side in the ODI and Test matches that follow.
Should she appear in five of the seven fixtures, Healy is poised to reach a 300th international appearance before hanging up her boots.
Reasons Behind the Decision
In announcing her retirement, Healy cited a combination of factors, including a sense that her competitive edge has waned after years at the sport’s pinnacle and the physical and mental demands of elite cricket. “It’s with mixed emotions,” she said, acknowledging both her love for the game and the rightness of the timing.
Healy also acknowledged the growing responsibilities of leadership and the sacrifices demanded by long international tours, explaining that while she remains passionate about the sport, the intensity of competition has simply become harder to sustain.
Legacy and Impact on Women’s Cricket
Beyond her statistics — which include eight ICC World Cup titles (six T20 and two ODI) and a Commonwealth Games gold medal — Healy’s impact on women’s cricket extends to cultural influence and the sport’s global profile. She has been a frequent media presence, co-hosting popular cricket commentary podcasts and broadcasting for major networks, helping bring the women’s game into broader public consciousness.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg paid tribute to her career, calling Healy “one of the all-time greats of the game” whose contribution “inspired so many and changed the game for the better.”
Her legacy is also reflected in the array of batting and wicketkeeping records she leaves behind, along with the countless players she has mentored and influenced throughout her time in the national team structure.
Who Comes Next? Succession and Opportunity
Healy’s exit leaves a leadership void ahead of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales later this year. Several candidates are under consideration to succeed her as captain, with Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner among those tipped for the top job, alongside other emerging leaders such as Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield.
Selectors and fans alike see this transition as a chance to blend experience with youthful talent as Australia aims to remain at the forefront of women’s international cricket.
Retirement Plans and Future Horizons
While Healy has kept her immediate post-cricket plans relatively open, she has indicated interest in continuing to contribute to the sport through media, commentary and mentorship roles. Her experience across the game gives her a distinct platform to influence cricket beyond her playing days.
Off the field, Healy has hinted at personal priorities including family life with her husband, fast bowler Mitchell Starc, and other opportunities beyond competitive sport.
The End of an Era, the Dawn of a New Chapter
As the cricket world prepares to bid farewell to one of its modern legends, tributes continue to pour in from teammates, opponents and fans. Healy’s departure after the India series will not only close a remarkable playing career but also signal a period of transition for Australian cricket — one shaped by her legacy and ripe with new opportunities for those who follow in her footsteps.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
