‘Let me down’: Australian cricket great Alyssa Healy reveals reason for retirement after 15 years
Australian cricket legend Alyssa Healy has revealed why she is stepping away from the game after an incredible 15-year career.
Australian cricket great Alyssa Healy has announced her retirement from the sport,ending an illustrious 15-year careerafter saying her body had “let (her) down”
The 35-year-old confirmed on Tuesday she would step away from all forms of cricket – having already played her final international Twenty20 – and play her farewell Test against India in Australia in February and March.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Healy kicked off her announcement by apologising for “lying” to the media about stepping away from the game
“I’d like to apologise to you for the last three months for lying to your faces every time I was asked about retirement,” she said.
She said the decision had been in the making for some time, with Healy saying she had “lost a bit of my competitive edge” and her body was starting to “let (her) down”.
“I’ve been doing it a long time. I loved every minute,” she said.
“Every contest I wanted to compete, and it’s probably drained me a bit, and I noticed that, probably having to come back from injury and dive deep the last few seasons has probably taken it out of me, to be honest.”
She suffered several injuries throughout her career, which further influenced the decision.
In late 2025, Healy suffered an injury after a ball smashed into the top of her right thumb, which she said was a “real body blow”.
“My body has let me down and that’s been a challenge to navigate, I won’t lie,” she said.
“That was frustrating.”
A magnificent career
Making her national debut in 2010, Healy was named full-time Australian captain in 2023, leading Australia to a historic 16-0 whitewash against England in the Ashes.
She completed almost 300 matches, more than 7000 runs and 275 dismissals throughout her career.
Healy participated in eight ICC World Cup titles and holds the record for highest individual score in a World Cup Final, as well as the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in the T20 Internationals.
She was a founding Sydney Sixers player, and was a member of the 11 Women’s National Cricket League titles with NSW.
Across 11 seasons in the Weber WBBL, Healy compiled more than 3000 runs.
Healy was also highly decorated. She was awarded the 2019 Belinda Clark Award, twice named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year and was a part of Australia’s Commonwealth Games gold medal winning side in 2022.
She grew up surrounded by elite cricket, with her uncle Ian Healy, a fellow wicketkeeping legend.
Healy, with husband Mitch Starc. joked she needed to retire to improve her golf game to keep up with him. Picture: Liam Kidston.
She initially broke the news on her Willow Talk podcast with Adam Peacock and Brad Haddin.
She said husband, fellow cricket great Mitch Starc, at first queried her decision to hang up the gloves, but did not try and talk her out of it.
“I think the decision came about, I don’t know if anyone knew on social media but Mitch got a hole in one the other day and my golf’s really shit and I need to actually improve that,” Healy said.
“So cricket has to take a bit of a back seat and I need to go and work on my golf otherwise I’m just getting pantsed.”
Healy reflects on lessons learnt
When asked what is next in store for the cricket legend, Healy joked her next steps weren’t set in stone, and may include a return to her former position at KFC.
“Working at KFC taught me a lot. (I) might have to go back and get another job after this,” she laughed.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, she said while she didn’t “know what the future looks like” for her, she said she had already been inundated with offers outside the game.
However, Healy said cricket would still remain an important factor in her life.
“I still feel like I can contribute to the game and this game … it’s given me so much and I still owe a lot to this game of cricket,” she said.
“It’s taught me lessons in life that I don’t think you can learn in many other places.
“It’s helped me build some amazing relationships throughout my life as well, so I definitely love to give back to the game where I can.”
In the meantime, she said she would take a step back and rest before kicking off the next chapter.
“I think (I’ve) potentially afforded a bit of time to sit back and reflect before I dive into anything,” she said.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy says she’ll take a break before deciding on her next move after retirement. Photo: Gaye Gerard /NewsWire
Cricket Australia’s praise for ‘all-time great’
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said Healy’s dedication and talent was inspiring for other aspiring cricketers.
“Alyssa is one of the all-time greats of the game and has made an immeasurable contribution both on and off the field over her 15-year career,” he said.
“On behalf of Australian Cricket, I’d like to thank Alyssa and congratulate her on an incredible career that has inspired so many and changed the game for the better.
“We look forward to celebrating her achievements throughout the series against India.”
‘A legend’: PM’s praise for Healy
Anthony Albanese said Healy had been instrumental in the rise of women’s sport and expected her to continue to have an impact.
“Alyssa Healy is a legend,” the Prime Minister said on Tuesday.
“She has had such an incredible career playing for Australia and leading Australia.
“The rise of women’s cricket, which has in parallel, seen a rise of other women’s sports is a great thing.
“It is a fantastic team that she has led.”
He said he was one of his favourite cricket commentators.
“She not only is a great player, she will also, I’m sure, continue to evolve as I think she’s a great cricket commentator,” Mr Albanese said.
“I think, you know, my two favourite commentators are both women, one from Australia, one from England. At the moment, I think are just outstanding.”
Australian captain Alyssa Healy addresses the media to discuss her retirement from all forms of cricket following the upcoming series against India. Photo: Gaye Gerard /NewsWire
Healy’s reasons for “difficult” decision
Healy said the decision to step back was difficult and her passion for the game remains unchanged.
“It’s with mixed emotions that the upcoming India series will be my last for Australia,” she said.
“I’m still passionate about playing for Australia, but I’ve somewhat lost that competitive edge that’s kept me driven since the start, so the time feels right to call it a day.”
She said despite not participating in the T20 World Cup this year, she was excited to “have the opportunity to finish my career and captain the ODI and Test side at home against India – one of the biggest series on the calendar for us”.
“I’ll genuinely miss my teammates, singing the team song and walking out to open the batting for Australia,” she said.
“Representing my country has been an incredible honour and I’m grateful for one last series in the green and gold.”