The retirement of Alyssa Healy on January 13, 2026, officially signals the end of an era for Australian cricket. For over fifteen years, Healy was the team’s heartbeat, a relentless wicketkeeper-batter whose aggressive intent at the top of the order redefined modern keeper-bats.
After taking the torch from Meg Lanning, she ensured Australia remained at the global pinnacle, leading with a sharp tactical mind and a fearless persona. Her departure leaves a massive void, not just in her 7,000+ international runs and 275 dismissals, but in the psychological edge she provided the squad. As she exits after the final series against India, the focus shifts to a new leadership chapter. Australia now requires a figure who can manage a transition where veteran legends are stepping away, ensuring the team’s ‘winning DNA’ remains intact. Replacing a character as large as Healy requires a blend of tactical brilliance, individual performance and the authority to lead in high-pressure World Cup finals.
5 players who could lead Australia after Alyssa Healy announces her retirement
1. Tahlia McGrath
Tahlia McGrath is the most immediate choice to succeed Healy, having served as the national vice-captain and interim leader during Healy’s injury spells. Her qualification is built on being a premier world-class all-rounder who remains remarkably calm under pressure. She has already proven her ability to win titles as a captain in the domestic circuit and has the full respect of the current veteran-heavy squad.
- Captaincy Record: Captained Adelaide Strikers to back-to-back WBBL titles (2022, 2023). Led Australia in T20Is and ODIs during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
- Leadership Stats: Maintained an elite T20I batting average of 42.00 and strike rate of 133+ while leading. Under her captaincy, the Strikers held one of the highest win percentages in WBBL history.
2. Annabel Sutherland
At just 24, Sutherland is the generational talent candidate. Known for a meticulous and professional approach, she is already the cornerstone of the Australian bowling attack and a powerhouse with the bat. Her qualification lies in her maturity; she was identified as a leader at 15 and has been groomed for this moment. She represents a ‘Lanning-style’ appointment – young, dominant and capable of leading for a decade.
- Captaincy Record: Current captain of the Melbourne Stars (WBBL). She has led various Australia ‘A’ and underage pathways teams with high tactical acclaim.
- Leadership Stats: Belinda Clark Medal 2025 winner. Holds the record for the fastest Women’s Test century (148 balls) and a Test double-century (210) vs South Africa.
3. Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney offers a ‘steady hand’ approach, ideal if the selectors prefer a bridge between the Healy era and the younger generation. Her qualification is her unparalleled cricketing IQ; as a wicketkeeper, she shares Healy’s tactical vantage point. She is widely considered the ‘toughest’ player in the squad, often performing her best when the team is in a crisis, making her an ideal leader for high-stakes tournaments.
- Captaincy Record: Captained Perth Scorchers (WBBL) and led Gujarat Giants in the inaugural WPL (2023) and 2024 seasons before transitioning into a senior advisor role.
- Leadership Stats: Holds a 48.00+ average in ODIs and 42.00+ in T20Is. She is a 3-time WBBL champion and was the T20 World Cup 2020 Player of the Tournament.
4. Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner is the premier tactical choice, offering an aggressive and modern perspective. Her qualification is her status as the world’s #1 all-rounder, giving her a unique understanding of both bowling rotations and batting tempos. Her appointment would be historic, as she would be the first Indigenous person to captain an Australian cricket team on a permanent basis, reflecting a modern and inclusive era.
- Captaincy Record: Captained Gujarat Giants (WPL 2025/26) to their first playoffs and led Trent Rockets in The Hundred (2025). Current captain of the Sydney Sixers.
- Leadership Stats: Two-time Belinda Clark Award winner (2022, 2024). Holds the best Test bowling figures for an Australian woman (12/165) and has over 120 WBBL wickets.
5. Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield is the bold choice, representing the face of the future. Her qualification is her fearlessness; she plays a brand of cricket that perfectly mirrors the aggressive intent Healy championed. By appointing her now, Australia would be following the successful blueprint of blooding a captain early to build a dynasty. She is already a global superstar and a marketing powerhouse for the women’s game.
- Captaincy Record: Youngest permanent captain in WBBL history, leading the Sydney Thunder at age 21 (2024/25). Captained NSW underage teams to national titles.
- Leadership Stats: ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year (2023). Averaging 41.00+ in ODIs with 3 centuries before the age of 22; scored 304 runs in the 2025 World Cup.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
