Shared News • Last updated on Sun, 24 Jun, 2018, 08:14 AM
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“I am really excited by this new challenge and cannot wait to get the chance to lead a really exciting squad” – Healy © Getty
Alyssa Healy, the Australian wicketkeeper and Sydney Sixers vice-captain, replaced the now retired Alex Blackwell as the captain of the Lendlease Breakers for the upcoming 50-over Women’s National Cricket League season, it was announced on Saturday (June 23).
“I am really excited by this new challenge and cannot wait to get the chance to lead a really exciting squad,” Healy was quoted as saying on the Cricket NSW website. “We have some of the best players in the world with a wealth of experience and I look forward to working closely with them to continue our success. This is a really exciting time in women’s sport and more specifically women’s cricket so we are all really looking forward to a busy season ahead!”
Healy had a brief stint as skipper with the Sixers, where she led the side to their maiden WBBL title in the absence of regular captain Ellyse Perry due to injury. She has previously skippered Australia A as well.
“The Breakers are blessed with quality leaders and we are delighted that Alyssa will be taking the squad forward into a new era,” said Jo Broadbent, the Breakers’ coach. “Two seasons ago an injury to Ellyse Perry gave Alyssa the opportunity to lead the Sydney Sixers into the finals and she took them to the WBBL title in a tense, low-scoring final.
“She has been a quality cricketer with NSW for over a decade and Australia for more than eight years. Alyssa’s aggressive approach to the game is highlighted by spirited batting and energetic wicket-keeping which has been central to the success of her state and country. Importantly she is a big game player as highlighted by her century in the WNCL final against Western Australia at the end of last season.”
Blackwell retired from NSW and Australian cricket earlier in the year, and after having been eight years in charge of the Breakers.
The WNCL season gets underway on September 21 when NSW take on Queensland in the Gold Coast.
