End Of An Era: Alyssa Healy Announces Retirement After India Series

SYDNEY—Australian cricket legend Alyssa Healy officially announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, that she will retire from all forms of international cricket at the end of the 2025–26 home summer. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter confirmed the news on the Willow Talk podcast, citing a loss of her “competitive edge” and the mental toll of recent years.

1. The Farewell Tour: India Series Schedule

Healy has opted to skip the T20I leg of the series to allow the team to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup without her. She will, however, lead the side in the ODIs and the historic one-off Test at the WACA.

2. A Career of Records and Trophies

Since her debut in 2010, Healy has redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in women’s cricket.

• World Cup Dominance: She has been part of 8 ICC World Cup titles (6 T20Is, 2 ODIs).
• Finals Heroics: Holds the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup Final (170 vs England in 2022).
• Gloves Mastery: She ends her career with 275 international dismissals, the most in T20I history for any gender.
• The 7k Club: She has amassed over 7,100 runs across all formats, including a blistering 148* in T20Is.

3. Who Will Lead Next?

With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales approaching in June 2026, Cricket Australia faces a significant leadership decision.

• The Frontrunner: Tahlia McGrath, the current vice-captain, has led the side 15 times in Healy’s absence.
• The Contenders: All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner (who recently captained the Sydney Sixers) and young sensation Phoebe Litchfield are being touted as future long-term options.
• The Gloves: Veteran Beth Mooney is the primary candidate to take over full-time wicketkeeping duties.

4. In Her Own Words

“I’m still passionate about playing for Australia, but I’ve somewhat lost that competitive edge that’s kept me driven since the start. The well is getting less and less full of water, and it’s getting harder to dive back in.” — Alyssa Healy