After being chosen the vice-captain of the women’s squad on Thursday, Alyssa Healy is poised to lead Australia on its tour of India in December. Rachael Haynes, who ended her career in international cricket last month, is replaced by Healy. Healy may take over as captain for the team’s forthcoming tasks, which include five T20 matches in India before the team’s home series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup in South Africa next year, while Meg Lanning, the World Cup-winning captain, is still on her indefinite leave.
Following Australia’s spectacular Commonwealth Games campaign, which saw them win the crown in August, Lanning had taken an indefinite vacation to concentrate on her well-being.
“It’s an honor to have been selected to serve as the vice-captain of any Australian team, much alone one that’s tasted as much success as this one,” Healy was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“While she leaves huge shoes to fill, Rach played a crucial part in aiding Meg and fostering the team’s beliefs and culture. I look forward to working with Meg and Shell to lead this side.
“I’m looking forward to this next phase of my career,” the player said. “It’s a really exciting moment to be connected with this squad; we’ve seen personnel changes as well as the rise of tremendous young talent.” The 32-year-old is not new to the position; in Haynes’ absence during the multi-format series against India last year, he filled in as the interim vice-captain.
“It’s wonderful that Alyssa has volunteered to serve as vice-captain and look forward to the contribution she can make in tandem with Meg,” said Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance, Women’s Cricket and National Selector.
“Alyssa brings a wealth of experience to the position and is a fantastic leader both on and off the field.
“We have great faith in Alyssa, Meg, and Shelley to lead the team during an exciting 12-month period that will see the team defend its T20 World Cup title and attempt to retain the Ashes on English soil,” the statement reads. Shelly Nitschke was appointed as the team’s new full-time coach last month.
According to CA, Dan Marsh and Scott Prestwidge will replace Nitschke as his new assistants.
Dan and Scott are excellent coaches, and Flegler declared they were excited to work with Shelley and the team.
“Both have complementing talents, expertise, and experience, are well-respected, and have already spent time with the group.
It’s excellent to have them on board full-time since Dan was instrumental in helping the spinners at the Commonwealth Games, while Scott has frequently supported the fast bowlers.
