Alyssa Healy has never been big on ceremonial matches, yet her final one-day international turned into something she could actually enjoy. Batting first against India in Hobart, the wicketkeeper-batter clattered 158 from just 98 deliveries, ticking off her century in 79 balls and racing to 150 only 16 balls later. Cramp struck, a full toss from Sneh Rana slipped under her bat, and the double-ton drifted out of reach, but it hardly mattered: Australia were already miles in front and Healy’s ODI ledger closed at 3777 runs, average 37.02, strike rate 100.69.
Two gentle overs of off-spin – the first of her international career – followed. The crowd applauded, husband Mitchell Starc chuckled over the broadcast, and Healy soaked it up.
“What a ridiculous sport that we play, that it can kick you down so many times and then give you opportunities like it has today,” she said afterwards. “I’ve hated every milestone match, so today was just an opportunity to go out and enjoy it. It was one of the more enjoyable experiences I’ve had, so thanks to the cricket gods for that, it was a nice way to sign off in the yellow.”
The day had started with a different emotion. Before the national anthem, Healy handed teenage quick Lucy Hamilton her first cap – a moment that briefly cracked her composure.
“I was honestly fine this morning,” Healy admitted, “and then when I was writing it all down and realising probably what it means to debut and get that cap made me realise how special and how lucky I’ve been over the last 15 years to have done it as many times as I’ve had. So that was a really special experience.”
Attention now shifts to Friday’s pink-ball Test at the WACA. Australia have been forced into two late squad changes after injuries to seamers Kim Garth (quad) and Sophie Molineux (back). Uncapped batter-keeper Rachel Trenaman and fast bowler Maitlan Brown have been drafted in, both chasing a maiden baggy green.
Head coach Shelley Nitschke explained the thinking. “With Kim and Soph unavailable we wanted like-for-like skills, but also players who won’t be overawed by a first Test,” she said. “Rachel’s been piling up Shield runs, Maitlan’s got raw pace – both deserve a look.”
Ellyse Perry, sidelined for the ODIs, may yet appear as a specialist batter if her quad strain settles in time; medical staff will decide on match eve. Hamilton, having opened the bowling in Hobart, is expected to debut, giving Australia a left-arm option to complement the right-arm pace of Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt.
Historically, Perth’s hard, fast surface has offered new-ball assistance early before flattening out, but the pink Kookaburra can behave unpredictably under lights. Healy, set for her final international appearance, is happy to roll the dice one more time.
“The WACA wicket has done some interesting things for us in Test cricket and white-ball cricket over the last few years, so I’m looking forward to seeing what conditions present, but any time this group gets to wear the baggy green is extra special so we’re looking forward to doing that.”
For a player who has always preferred action to ceremony, one last crack with the gloves – and perhaps another cheeky over of off-spin – feels an honest way to bow out.
