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Alyssa Healy's Final Test: No Sadness, Just Excitement for Life After Cricket

Australian captain Alyssa Healy is preparing for her final international appearance in a pink-ball Test against India at the WACA. She expressed no sadness, instead focusing on gratitude for her career and excitement for her future beyond cricket. Healy acknowledged the privilege of retiring on her own terms at home in the Baggy Green. Her immediate focus is on helping Australia secure a series victory in her farewell match.

Key Points: Alyssa Healy on Final Test, Retirement & Future Plans

  • Healy's final international match is a pink-ball Test vs India
  • She expresses excitement, not sadness, for retirement
  • Aims to contribute to a team win in her farewell
  • Reflects on the privilege of retiring on her own terms
2 min read

Not everyone retires on their own terms, finishing at home in Baggy Green is special: Healy

Australia captain Alyssa Healy discusses her final international match, her gratitude for cricket, and her excitement for life after retirement.

"I've been very aware that not everybody gets to retire on their own terms, and this is kind of just a really cool opportunity to finish here at home and in a Baggy Green. - Alyssa Healy"

Perth, March 5

Australia captain Alyssa Healy said she does not expect to feel any sadness as she prepares for her final international appearance through the one-off pink-ball Test against India, starting at the WACA Stadium on Friday.

Australia has an 8-4 lead over India in the multi-format series and the side will be keen to ensure Alyssa has a winning send-off through a victory in the Test match. "I genuinely don't think there'll be any sadness. I'm just really excited for life after cricket, and I'm really grateful for the experience that I've had so far.

"I've really enjoyed the last 20 years of cricket, and we'll wait and see what unfolds next, which is more exciting. We'll wait and see what unfolds next, which is more exciting than anything else.

"I've been very aware that not everybody gets to retire on their own terms, and this is kind of just a really cool opportunity to finish here at home and in a Baggy Green. It's not something I would have chosen to have done, but I guess to have that opportunity is very special, very unique.

"So looking forward to that, and obviously with the series, the way it's placed at the moment, to be able to push for a win and be extra special," Alyssa told reporters on the eve of her last international game.

After signing off from ODIs with a fairytale 158 in Hobart, Alyssa now has one last chance to get an elusive Test hundred. The wicketkeeper-batter returns to the same venue where she fell a run short of three-figure mark against South Africa two years ago.

"I'm not going out there to make a duck. So, if three figures come up, then so be it. But at the end of the day, I just want to contribute to a team success, and what that looks like, we'll wait and see."

For the next four days, Alyssa's focus will be squarely on Australia's bid to lift the trophy and give her best for the last time as an international cricketer. "(I'm) feeling in good nick so hopefully I can transfer that to the pink ball here. But like I said, the series has been toughly contested so far, and to be up 8-4, I think at this point in time, we're really pleased, and hopefully we go out there and get the job done."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
She's right, not everyone gets to retire on their own terms. Look at some of our greats who had controversial exits. It's a privilege. That said, let's not make it too special for her! 🇮🇳 The Indian team must fight hard and try to win this Test to end the series on a high. 8-4 down, but pride is at stake.
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Aditya G
Mixed feelings. As an Indian fan, I want us to win. But as a cricket lover, you want to see a great player sign off with a memorable performance. Hope it's a close, thrilling match. Maybe she gets a fifty, but we get the win? 😅
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK. Healy's career has been phenomenal. The way she's dominated across formats is incredible. This is a big moment for women's cricket globally. Hope the Test gets a good audience. India has pushed them hard this series, which is great for the sport.
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Karthik V
Respect for her attitude. "Not going out to make a duck" – that's the spirit! But our women's team has shown great fight in Australia. The focus should be on winning this Test for India, not just on her farewell. Let's see if our batters can finally fire on the big stage.
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Nisha Z
A graceful exit is something every athlete dreams of. She's earned it. But honestly, the series scoreline 8-4 shows the gap is still there between Aus and others. Our Indian girls need more consistent support and matches like this to reach that level. The future is bright though! ✨

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