Photo Credit: ICC
Cricket Australia (CA) has today confirmed Alyssa Healy’s appointment as vice-captain of the Australian Women’s Team, while Dan Marsh and Scott Prestwidge have been confirmed as assistant coaches.
Healy, 32, was endorsed by the CA board following the retirement of Rachael Haynes last month.
A veteran of the Australia side having played 232 matches for her country – second only to all-rounder Ellyse Perry – Healy has previously served as vice-captain in a temporary capacity, most recently during Australia’s multi-format series against India in 2021.
Healy has captained the NSW Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League since 2018 and was Sydney Sixers’ vice-captain in the first seven editions of the Women’s Big Bash League.
Speaking on Healy’s appointment, Shawn Flegler, Head of Performance, Women’s Cricket and National Selector said:
“We’re delighted that Alyssa has agreed to take on the role of vice-captain and look forward to the contribution she can make in tandem with Meg.
“Alyssa is an outstanding leader on and off the field and brings a wealth of experience to the role.
“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.”
Healy said she was honoured to have been appointed to the role:
“It’s a privilege to have been offered the vice-captaincy of any Australian team, let alone one that’s tasted as much success as this one.
“Rach played a key role in supporting Meg as well as driving the values and culture of the team and while she leaves big shoes to fill, I’m looking forward to helping lead this side alongside Meg and Shell.
“It’s a really exciting time to be involved with this team; we’ve seen personnel changes as well as the emergence of incredible young talent, and with a T20 World Cup and away Ashes just around the corner, I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my career.”
The appointment of Marsh and Prestwidge to the vacant assistant coach roles comes after the departure of Ben Sawyer (New Zealand women’s team) and promotion of Nitschke to head coach.
A former Tasmanian and South Australia cricketer and current head coach of the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes WBBL side, Marsh will take responsibility for the spin bowling group.
Following eight seasons as Brisbane Heat’s assistant coach in the WBBL, former Queensland representative and current Queensland Fire assistant coach, Prestwidge will take charge of the fast bowlers.
Speaking on the appointment of Marsh and Prestwidge, Flegler said:
“Dan and Scott are high quality coaches and we’re thrilled to have them join Shelley and the team.
“Both have previously spent time with the group, are highly respected and bring complementary skills, knowledge and experience.
“Dan played a pivotal role working with the spinners during the Commonwealth Games and Scott has provided support to the fast bowlers on several occasions, it’s great to have them on board full-time.”
Marsh and Prestwidge will link up with the team at the conclusion of Weber WBBL|08.
Australia will begin its summer in December with a five-match T20I tour of India, before hosting Pakistan for three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 International in January. The team will then set about defending its T20 World Cup title in South Africa in February.
Name of Author: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA), formerly the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), is the governing body for cricket in Australia. Established in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket, CA manages all national teams, including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sides, as well as other national teams. It oversees the organization of Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, and coordinates home international fixtures.
