Australia wins the multi-format series 12-4
Despite the final score in the series appearing a bit lopsided, it has been enthralling from the start. India showed what they can do in the T20 leg, giving Australia a bit of a shock by winning that T20 series two games to one. But Australia were dominant in the ODI series and got their campaign back on track. Having Healy back in the driver’s seat as captain seemed to make a difference, just steadying the ship and reminding them what they wanted to achieve.
While the Test ended well inside three days and it would have been more exciting to have it push into the fourth day and be more of a contest, but getting a result in women’s Tests is always great, considering most are only allocated four days. It’s clear both teams value Test cricket so highly and love to play them and they were always chasing a win.
The match showcased the ongoing rise of Annabel Sutherland in Test matches. While Ellyse Perry racked up the highest number of runs in women’s Tests for Australia, I don’t think it will be much longer until Sutherland goes past her. Hopefully women’s Tests continue to be prioritised to allow her to do that.
But of course, the big story of the match was Healy’s final outing for Australia. What a privilege to finish with a big win like that, a privilege which she truly deserves. The moment of the match for me was her taking that fantastic slips catch from Alana King’s bowling and running around in excitement, like she was a kid on debut once again.
Thanks for joining us throughout this exciting multi-format series. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have!
Alyssa Healy speaks after her final match for Australia, thanking fans for the 'love and support'
“Really pleased with that effort, bouncing back from the T20 series.” Alyssa Healy says. “Coming into the group I sensed there was a little bit of disappointment, a little bit of uncertainty, but the way that they responded and came out and played in the last four fixtures has been unbelievable. I’m really proud and great signs for the future.”
When asked about the great individual performances, she is delighted that her team were able to have this opportunity to show what they can do.
“I just walked in the change room before and Lucy Hamilton said ‘Test cricket I think is my new favourite format’, so it’s great to see these young kids get an opportunity to showcase their skill over a longer period of time,” she says. “I think the white ball doesn’t really give us the opportunity to do that – to set up batters and set up an innings and play the purest form of the game. Long live Test cricket and I hope we keep seeing more!”
Speaking about the emotion of the moment, she stays in control, despite the overwhelming nature of the occasion.
“Honestly, it hit me just before that I don’t get to come into that changeroom again and be around the girls,” she says. “But I’m going to enjoy the next little bit and singing the team song one last time. I’m genuinely this group of amazing people moving forward, led by Sophie Molineux. I think they’re going to achieve some great things and I might turn into that really bitter ex-player and tell them how to do stuff! I’m just kidding everyone!
“On a personal note, thank you very much to everyone for the love and support. While you’re in the thick of it, you’re just in this little bubble and you just want to win games and compete and you don’t really realise what’s going on outside. So I guess to feel that for the first time and enjoy that over the last week has been amazing. So thank you very much to everyone who came this week, but everyone at home as well.”
She confirms she was not tempted to open in the second innings.
“I’ve got to protect my average of 20 in Test cricket,” she jokes. “No, I think we’re watching the future of Australian cricket walk out there and mark centre and open and I didn’t want to get in the way of that. I’ve had my time in the sun and it’s time for the next generation to showcase what they can do.”
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