Australia’s vice-captain for all three game types has been named as Alyssa Healy. Rachael Haynes, who announced her retirement from international cricket last month, will be replaced by Healy. Given that Australia’s normal skipper Meg Lanning is still unable to lead the team, there is a very real risk that the position might evolve into one of a stand-in leader.
Lanning has stepped away from the game. Healy personally contacted her to inform her of the change in leadership. After being selected as the vice-captain, Healy emphasised that she is still optimistic that her close friend, Lanning, will soon be able to play again and that there have been no discussions regarding taking the helm for India in a bilateral series later this year.
“It’s a privilege to have been offered the vice-captaincy of any Australian team, let alone one that’s tasted as much success as this one,” Healy said. “Rach (Rachael Haynes) played a key role in supporting Meg (Meg Lanning) as well as driving the values and culture of the team and while she leaves big shoes to fill, I’m looking forward to helping lead this side alongside Meg and Shell (Shelley Nitschke). “It’s a really exciting time to be involved with this team; we’ve seen personnel changes as well as the emergence of incredible young talent, and with a T20 World Cup and away Ashes just around the corner, I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my career.”
Healy has participated in 232 international games. In addition to serving as Sydney Sixers vice-captain for the first seven seasons of the Women’s Big Bash League, she has been leading the NSW Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League from 2018. Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance, Women’s Cricket and National Selector said: “We’re delighted that Alyssa has agreed to take on the role of vice-captain and look forward to the contribution she can make in tandem with Meg. Alyssa is an outstanding leader on and off the field and brings a wealth of experience to the role.”
