NEW DELHI: Alyssa Healy ended her international career on a high after leading Australia women’s national cricket team to a 10-wicket victory over India women’s national cricket team in the one-off Test at WACA Ground. The win marked the end of Healy’s 16-year international career.After the match, the Australian captain said she was proud of how the team bounced back after struggling in the T20 leg of the tour. “Really pleased with that effort. Bouncing back from the T20 series, I sense that coming into the group, there was a bit of disappointment and a little bit of uncertainty. But the way that they responded and came out and played in the last four fixtures has been unbelievable, and I’m really proud,” Healy said in her farewell speech.Healy also used the moment to highlight the importance of Test cricket in the women’s game. “I think the white ball doesn’t really give us that opportunity to set up batters or build an innings. Learning how to play the longest form of the game is really important. So long live Test cricket and hopefully we can see more,” said Healy.The 35-year-old admitted the emotional moment truly hit her just before she addressed the team for the last time. “Honestly, it hit me just before that I get to come into that change room again and be around the girls. I’m going to enjoy the next little bit and sing the team song one last time. But I’m genuinely really excited to watch this group moving forward,” she said, adding that she believes the team will achieve “great things” under new captain Sophie Molineux.Healy also thanked fans and praised the Indian team for competing through a hectic schedule. “When you’re representing your country and competing at the highest level, you’re sort of in this bubble. You just want to win games and compete, and you probably don’t realise what’s going on outside. To feel that love and support over the last week has been amazing,” she said.She added: “Thanks to the Indian team. It’s a hectic schedule in the women’s game. To come here after a busy WPL, fight hard in the T20 series and stay here for five weeks is a huge effort. All the very best for the World Cup in the middle of the year.”In the match, India were bowled out for 149, leaving Australia with a small target of 25 runs, which they chased in under five overs. Annabel Sutherland starred with a century and six wickets, earning both Player of the Match and Player of the Series. As celebrations ended in Perth, Healy shared emotional moments with teammates, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career.
