Alyssa Healy named Australia’s vice-captain after Rachael Hayes retirement

After being elected vice-captain of the women’s squad on Thursday, Alyssa Healy is expected to lead Australia on their December tour of India. Rachael Haynes, who retired from international cricket last month, is replaced by Healy.

Thanks Rach!!

Thanks for everything you’ve done for me, for the game and for everyone around you. Miss you already!! @RachaelHaynes pic.twitter.com/mDael0vHMs

— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) September 14, 2022

With World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning currently on indefinite leave, Healy might take over as captain for the team’s next five T20Is in India before the home series versus Pakistan and the T20 World Cup in South Africa next year.

Healy said on Thursday that the Australian squad is still Lanning’s, and she remains confident that her close friend would return to play, with no discussions surrounding captaincy in India yet.

“I am certain she will return to Australian cricket, albeit I am not clear in what capacity,” Healy added. “That is a decision for Meg, and I, in especially, am very supportive of her decision.”

“I’m content with whatever part I play this summer. If she returns and says, “This is my team, and I want to play and captain,” it will be fantastic for Australian cricket. But, on the other hand, if there is a discussion about me having to take over, it is really exciting for me.”

Healy is no stranger to the job, having acted as the interim vice-captain in last year’s multi-format series vs India in Haynes’ absence.

“We’re thrilled that Alyssa has decided to take on the role of vice-captain and look forward to seeing what she can provide to the team alongside Meg,” said Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance, Women’s Cricket and National Selector.

“Alyssa is an exceptional leader both on and off the field, bringing a plethora of expertise to the job. We have tremendous faith in Alyssa, Meg, and Shelley to lead the squad through a thrilling 12-month period in which the team will defend its T20 World Cup title and attempt to retain the Ashes on English soil,” he added.

There’s also a potential Healy’s position may help her career, since she has acknowledged to thinking about her own future in recent months.

“It presumably re-energizes and re-focuses as well,” Healy explained. “There have been small moments and amazing possibilities along the way that have re-energized me and my approach to the game. This is another of those moments when you take a step back and realise, Wow, this is a very amazing time to be involved.”