Alyssa Healy has been designated as the leader of Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team as they enter a new era, taking over as captain in all three formats from Meg Lanning.

The 33-year-old, who served as vice-captain and filled in for Lanning as captain for extended periods over the past two years, including in this year’s Ashes, will now assume the role permanently following Lanning’s unexpected retirement from international play last month.

Healy, a brilliant matchwinner across her 255-game career, will lead Australia’s attempts to keep international cricket’s chasing pack at bay.

“I am humbled to take on the responsibility of being captain and am appreciative of the chance to guide our team,” stated Healy. “I have greatly appreciated the support from my teammates in recent months and their encouragement to remain true to myself and lead the group as I typically do from within.”

I will continue to follow my previous approach, but I will also bring my own unique style to the role and ensure that I am giving my best effort to maintain the success we have achieved as a group.

“It is a thrilling moment to be a part of this team, as we witness the rise of exceptional young players and push ourselves to constantly improve as a unit,” remarked Healy. “My desire is to contribute to the establishment of a fresh legacy for the Australian team. Together, we can accomplish remarkable feats.”

The selection of Healy and allrounder Tahlia McGrath as vice-captains was officially approved at a meeting of the Cricket Australia (CA) board on Friday.

Ben Oliver, the general manager of high-performance and national teams at CA, stated that Alyssa is a remarkable player and leader who commands great respect both on and off the field.

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Alyssa’s extensive experience makes her well-suited for this role, and we have full faith in her capability to effectively co-captain the Australian women’s team alongside Tahlia, who will serve as vice-captain.

Fortunately, we have a skilled and knowledgeable team of players who will offer strong support to Alyssa and Tahlia as the team continues to grow and strive for even greater success.

The CA is seeking consistent leadership for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Healy and McGrath, along with coach Shelley Nitschke, fulfill this requirement.

Healy stated that it is important to have a long-term vision and focus on participating in World Cups, major series, and tournaments. With a stable position and clearer expectations, the three of us in leadership can establish our influence and guide the team towards our desired goals, aiming to bring home a trophy in Bangladesh next year.

Healy’s reign will begin later this month after she declared herself a near-certain starter for the Test against India at the famous Wankhede Stadium on December 21.

The young girl from Gold Coast, who is the niece of renowned wicketkeeper Ian Healy with 119 Test appearances, and the significant other of current Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, was unable to participate in the WBBL this season due to a severe finger injury sustained while attempting to stop her two dogs from fighting.

Source: theguardian.com