Selfless Alyssa Healy had no intention of opening the batting for Australia on her final day of international cricket, saying her “time in the sun” was over after leading her team to a 10-wicket Test match thrashing of India in Perth.
Needing just 25 runs to win the day-night Test at the WACA after bowling out India for 149 in the tourists’ second innings early on day three, the Australians took less than five overs to reach their target.
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Georgia Voll (16 not out) and Phoebe Litchfield (11 not out) took care of the small total, with Voll finding the boundary in chalking up the winning runs.
“We’re watching the future of Australian cricket walk out there and mark centre and open, and I didn’t want to get in the way of that,” departing captain Healy said in explaining her decision not to elevate herself to the top of the order.
“I’ve had my time in the sun, so it’s time for the next generation to showcase what they can do.”
Healy, who turns 36 later this month, was chaired off the ground by teammates after Australia’s win, which secured the multi-format series 12 points to four over India.
“It hit me just before that I don’t get to come into that change room again being around the girls … but I’m genuinely really excited to watch the group of amazing people moving forward led by (new captain) Sophie Molineux,” she said after her 299th and final international appearance.
“I think they’re going to achieve some great things.”
Healy thanked everyone for their “love and support” over her 16-year international career.
“While you’re in the thick of representing your country competing at the highest level, you’re in this little bubble and you just want to win games and compete, and you probably don’t really realise what’s going on outside, so to feel that for the first time and enjoy that over the last week, it’s been amazing,” she said.
Australian star Ellyse Perry paid tribute to her long-time teammate.
“She’s irreplaceable, in her character, her mentality towards the game and also the way she plays the game,” Perry told Fox Sports.
“No-one has played more incredible innings than she has on the biggest stage.
“She plays shots that no-one else can. She gets in moods where it wouldn’t matter where you bowl the ball, she’s going to hit it where she wants to.
“She’s one of the most stubborn proud people I’ve ever met and she brings that on to the cricket field and represents Australia with so much pride, so we’re going to really miss her.
“She’s irreplaceable but it’s been a special career.”
All-rounder Annabel Sutherland was named player of the series for her effort of 227 runs and 13 wickets.
“It’s nice to be here on day three with a win, and most importantly sending ‘Midgey’ (Healy) off on a good note,” Sutherland said.
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