MELBOURNE: Rachael Haynes, who retired, will be replaced as the vice-captain of the Australian Women's Team by Alyssa Healy, the Cricket Australia has confirmed.
After Rachael Haynes announced her retirement last month, Healy, 32, received the support of the Cricket Australia board. Scott Prestwidge and Dan Marsh have been named as assistant coaches.
Healy is a seasoned member of the Australian team, having participated in 232 international games, second only to all-rounder Ellyse Perry. Healy has previously held the interim position of vice-captain, most notably during Australia's multi-format series against India in 2021.
Healy, who is the niece of former Australia men's team wicketkeeper Ian Healy, has been the vice-captain of the Sydney Sixers for the first seven seasons of the Women's Big Bash League and has led the NSW Breakers in the Women's National Cricket League since 2018.
We're thrilled that Alyssa has decided to take on the job of vice-captain and look forward to the impact she can make in tandem with Meg, said Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance, Women's Cricket and National Selector, in response to Healy's selection.
"We have great confidence in Alyssa, Meg, and Shelley leading the team during an exciting 12-month period that will see the team defend its T20 World Cup title and look to retain the Ashes on English soil," said Shelley. "Alyssa is an outstanding leader on and off the field and brings a wealth of experience to the role." Healy expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the Australian women's team's vice captain.
She was quoted in a release from Cricket Australia as stating, "It's a privilege to have been granted the vice-captaincy of any Australian team, much alone one that's tasted as much success as this one.
While she leaves huge shoes to fill, "Rach had a crucial role in assisting Meg as well as defining the principles and culture of the team. I'm looking forward to helping lead this side alongside Meg and Shell."
With a T20 World Cup and the away Ashes right around the corner, I'm looking forward to this next chapter of my career. It's an incredibly exciting moment to be a part of this squad. We've seen personnel changes as well as the development of tremendous new talent.
Following the departure of Ben Saw'er (of the New Zealand women's team) and Nitschke's ascension to head coach, Marsh and Prestwidge were named to the vacant positions of assistant coach.
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