Perth, March 5 – Australian captain Alyssa Healy said she doesn't expect to feel any sadness as she prepares for her final international appearance through the one-off pink-ball Test against India, which begins at the WACA Stadium on Friday.
Australia currently leads India 8-4 in the multi-format series, and the team will be keen to ensure Alyssa has a winning send-off through a victory in the Test match. "I genuinely don't think there will be any sadness. I'm just really excited for life after cricket, and I'm really grateful for the experience that I've had so far.
"I've really enjoyed the last 20 years of cricket, and we'll wait and see what happens next, which is even more exciting. We'll wait and see what happens next, which is more exciting than anything else.
"I've been very aware that not everyone gets to retire on their own terms, and this is kind of a really special opportunity to finish here at home and in a Baggy Green. It's not something I would have chosen to do, but I guess to have that opportunity is very special, very unique.
"So, I'm really looking forward to it, and obviously with the series, the way it's placed at the moment, to be able to push for a win and make it extra special," Alyssa told reporters on the eve of her last international game.
After signing off from ODIs with a fairytale 158 in Hobart, Alyssa now has one last chance to get an elusive Test hundred. The wicketkeeper-batter returns to the same venue where she fell a run short of three-figure mark against South Africa two years ago.
"I'm not going out there to make a duck. So, if three figures come up, then so be it. But at the end of the day, I just want to contribute to a team success, and what that looks like, we'll wait and see."
For the next four days, Alyssa's focus will be squarely on Australia's bid to lift the trophy and give her best for the last time as an international cricketer. "(I'm) feeling in good nick so hopefully I can transfer that to the pink ball here. But like I said, the series has been toughly contested so far, and to be up 8-4, I think at this point in time, we're really pleased, and hopefully we go out there and get the job done."
