Alyssa Healy closed her one day international career with 158 as Australia defeated India by 185 runs in the third match of the series on Sunday. The victory sealed a 3-0 sweep against the reigning world champions.
Healy’s 158, alongside Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 106, carried Australia to 7/409. India were dismissed for 224 in 45.1 overs. Healy was named Player of the Match in her final ODI appearance.
“I just think what a ridiculous sport we play that it can kick you down to so many times and then give you opportunities like it has today,” Healy said during the post match presentation.
“I’ve hated every milestone match, so today was just an opportunity to go out and enjoy it. And it was, one of the more enjoyable experiences I’ve had. So thanks for the cricket gods for that. And yeah, that’s a nice way to sign off in the yellow.”
The wicketkeeper batter also bowled two overs for 12 runs. She will conclude her international career after the one off pink ball Test against India in Perth from March 6.
“Oh, bowling for sure. It didn’t take much to get talked into either,” she said when asked which aspect she enjoyed more.
“I heard my name mentioned once and I said right, but just to finish the ODI leg the way we did, yeah makes me really proud. And looking forward to heading to the WACA now and get stuck into the pink ball.”
Healy praised Mooney and spoke about the direction of the squad.
“Beth Mooney’s been outstanding. The future’s bright for our team. I’m looking forward to watching them go about their business over the next couple of years leading into that next one day World Cup.
“I think they’re going to do some fantastic things yet again.”
Before the match, Healy presented a debut cap to Lucy Hamilton.
“I was honestly fine this morning and then when I was writing it all down and realizing probably what it means to debut and get that cap made me realize 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.”
“She’s got a really bright for the future ahead, I would have loved her to take a wicket tonight but to get a yellow cap, hopefully another 15 years in it, it was really special.”
Looking ahead to the Test in Perth, Healy added:
“To put ourselves in a position, now we don’t have to win, I think it’s obviously a great sign for the series, but also we’re going there to win.”
“Pink ball at the WACA, we’ve never experienced that before. The WACA wicket has done some interesting things for us in Test cricket and white-ball cricket over the last few years.
“So, looking forward to seeing what conditions present. But any time this group gets to wear the baggy green is extra special. So I’m looking forward to doing that.