- By Ankit Bisht
- Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:07 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Australia have named wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy as the all-format captain of the women's team replacing Meg Lanning, while all-rounder Tahila McGrath has been appointed vice-captain of the side.
Lanning announced retirement from international cricket in November 2023 after finishing her illustrious career with five World Cup titles (ODI and T20I) and Commonwealth Games gold during her 182-match stint as captain.
The 33-year-old experienced wicketkeeper holds almost 14 years of international experience, having played seven Tests, 101 ODIs and 147 T20Is for Australia. She also led Australia in solitary Test, seven ODIs and 10 T20Is in Lanning's absence.
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Healy's first test will be Australia's tour of India, starting on December 21. Australia will play one-off Test, three ODIs and three T20Is against India in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
On the other hand, two-time WBBL-winning captain McGrath will assist Healy in the leadership role. The all-rounder has also captained Australia, other than Adelaide Strikers, twice in the last 12 months when Healy was unavailable.
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On being appointed Australia's full-time captain, Healy said, "I've really enjoyed the support of the players over the past few months and their encouragement to continue to be who I am and lead the group like I normally would from within.
"My approach will remain consistent to what it has been previously, but I’ll make my own mark on the role and be sure that I'm doing the best I possibly can for this group to maintain the success that we've had.
"It's an exciting time to be involved with this team, we’re seeing the emergence of incredible young talent and are challenging ourselves to continually evolve as a group," she added.
McGrath said her appointment as vice-captain was a "privilege", and looked forward to working alongside her more senior teammate.
"Alyssa and I have played together for a long time, we know our respective leadership styles well and I look forward to helping her lead our group as we embark on a busy, but exciting international schedule," she said.