Australian captain Alyssa Healy, one of the most decorated players in the history of women’s cricket, has announced her retirement from all forms of sports following the multi-format home series against India in February-March 2026.
The 35-year-old will not feature in the T20I leg of the series as Australia begin preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.
However, he will feature in ODI matches before bringing the curtain down on his career with his 11th and final Test appearance in a day-night encounter at the WACA in Perth from March 6 to 9.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Healy said on Willow Talk, on which he is a regular panelist. “The last few years have been more mentally draining than anything else. There’s been some injuries and the well is getting less and less full. It’s getting harder to get back in.”
“I’ve always been proud to compete and win. As I’ve gotten a bit older, I haven’t lost it completely, but I’ve lost some. The WBBL may have been a wake-up call last year. It surprised me to be thinking ‘just another day of cricket’ because I thought I loved playing the game.”
Healy’s decision will see Australia go to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup under a new captain.
“That means I’m not going to the T20 World Cup,” he said. “There will be some changes in the India series, especially around the leadership, but for me the opportunity to play at home and captain the team in that series is very special.
“I wanted to announce the result of the Test before it was announced, but because I wasn’t part of the T20 World Cup, it was a decision. I knew it for six months, so it gave me some relief. To finish at home with my teammates and family, against India, one of our biggest series, was a really nice way to end.”
Healy made his international debut as a 19-year-old in February 2010 and has since forged a glittering career.
He has scored 3,500 runs in ODIs and 3,054 runs in T20Is at an average of 25.45, including 148 not out – the highest individual T20 score among full member nations.
She has played the second most T20I for Australia and holds the record for most T20I dismissals in men’s and women’s cricket.
During her career, Healy won six Women’s T20 World Cup titles (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023) and two ODI World Cups (2013 and 2022). She was also selected as the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2018 and 2019.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised his impact on the game.
“Alyssa is one of the all-time greats and has made immeasurable contributions on and off the field in her 15-year career,” he said. “He has inspired many and changed the game for the better. We look forward to celebrating his achievements during the series against India.”
Healy is expected to play for New South Wales in the WNCL ahead of the India series, but has already played his final match for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL.
Cricket NSW president of women’s cricket Leah Poulton described Healy as an “incredible legacy”.
“He was an entertainer in every sense of the word and an absolute joy to watch. Cricket will miss his on-field presence, but he will not be lost to the game.”
Sydney Sixers general manager and former teammate Rachel Haynes has paid tribute to Alyssa Healy, highlighting her influence on and off the field.
“Midge is a larrikin, a leader and the ultimate team player whose impact has been transformative in our sport, especially for female athletes.”