Alyssa Healy calls time on career

Healy’s impact on the game, nationally and domestically, has been immense, with a career spanning more than 290 national appearances, 130 Women’s Big Bash League matches, and more than 100 Women’s National Cricket League outings. 

The Gold Coast born wicketkeeper batter made her debut for the NSW Breakers in 2007, before earning her first Australian cap at just 19 in the 2010 Rose Bowl Series against New Zealand.  

After helping Australia reclaim the Ashes in 2015, Healy signed with the Sydney Sixers for the inaugural WBBL season, continuing what would become one of the most iconic careers in women’s cricket. 

In 2018, she was named ICC Women’s T20 Player of the Year following a dominant campaign that helped drive Australia to its fourth ICC World T20 title. 

In 2022, she smashed 170 against England to lead Australia to World Cup victory in New Zealand, before becoming the seventh woman to captain Australia in a T20I when she stepped in for Meg Lanning on the tour of India.  

Following Lanning's retirement in 2023, she was appointed full‑time Aussie skipper. 

To date, Healy has played almost 295 matches for country, bringing up more than 7000 runs and 275 dismissals. In domestic cricket, she’s amassed 3,125 runs in the WBBL and just shy of 3000 runs in the WNCL and led the NSW Breakers as captain on 21 occasions.  

She finishes her elite career as a two-time WBBL champion, 11-time WNCL champion, eight-time World Cup winner, and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist. 

Healy holds the record for the most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in T20 international cricket, male or female and the highest individual score in a World Cup Final. 

In 2019 she was awarded the Belinda Clark Award, Australia’s highest individual honour in women’s cricket and has twice been named ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 

Her accolades at state and league level are equally remarkable, with honours including Belinda Clark Medallist for NSW Breaker of the Year in 2016/17, WNCL Player of the Season in 2018/19 and Sydney Sixers Player of the Year in 2016/17 and 2020/21. 

She sits as the fifth highest run scorer in WNCL history and leads the competition in dismissals. 

On her retirement, Alyssa Healy said: 

“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.  

“Knowing I won’t be going to the T20 World Cup this year and the limited preparation time the team has, I won’t be part of the T20s against India, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to finish my career and captain the ODI and Test side at home against India – one of the biggest series on the calendar for us.  

“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.” 

Healy will represent the NSW Breakers in the next two rounds of the WNCL as she prepares for Australia’s multi format series against India (ODI and Test), but she has played her final match for the Sydney Sixers. 

The NSW Breakers stalwart said it’s a fitting way to close out her career. 

“I’m excited to play for the Breakers ahead of the India series. It’s a rare opportunity these days and a real full circle moment.” 

Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO, acknowledged Healy’s formidable career and impact across the sport. 

“Everyone at Cricket NSW and across our state’s cricket community congratulates and thanks Alyssa on her outstanding career for NSW, the Sydney Sixers and Australia. 

“She has made an incredible impact on the sport. Her exceptional leadership, powerful top-order batting and classy wicket keeping made her a fan-favourite, inspiring so many young cricketers to play and love the game. 

“We are proud of all that she has achieved and look forward to her continued involvement with cricket into the future.” 

Leah Poulton, Cricket NSW Head of Female Elite Cricket, reflected on Healy’s remarkable journey and the legacy she leaves behind.  

“Alyssa leaves behind an incredible legacy, inspiring a generation of young cricketers, both boys and girls.  

“She’s an entertainer in every sense of the word and an absolute joy to watch. I feel fortunate to have witnessed her journey from start to finish, and to watch her grow into such an accomplished leader and figure in the game. 

“Cricket will miss her on-field presence, but I know she won’t be lost to the sport.  

“Midge has played a huge part in shaping our Breakers culture, and it will be wonderful to see her back in the sky blue before she pulls up stumps.”