Alyssa Healy is all set to lead the Australian side on this Tour to India which begins with a one-off Test match at the Wankhede Stadium on 21st December, Thursday.
Meg Lanning, former Australian skipper and a leader in true sense, retired from International cricket last month and Healy was appointed as her successor in all formats.
Talking about the captaincy role, Healy said that it will be a huge shoe to fill for her but she will take it as a challenge.
“Yeah, firstly I think it’s unbelievably huge shoes to fill in the sense of replacing Meg Lanning. I think the success that she had not only as a player but obviously as a leader of the Australian cricket team is fairly unmatched right around the men’s and the women’s game. So big shoes to fill on my part, but one that’s really a challenge that’s really exciting to me,” said Healy.
“I think my approach to it is about taking this group on to the next chapter. We’ve built an amazing legacy over the last 10 years with Meg, Rach and Matthew Mott. But we’ve had a lot of change over the last 12 to 18 months within our squad and around our team as well. So the opportunity to create something new and I guess give the floor to the next generation of players to leave their mark on the game I think is something that I’m really looking forward to. So bring it on. India’s the first challenge and we’ll see how we go,” added the Australian skipper.
On Playing Test Match in India
India and Australia last played a Test match on Indian soil back in 1984. Shantha Rangaswamy led India whereas Jill Kennare captained Australia during the four-match Test series.
Talking about Australia playing a Test on Indian soil after 40 years, Healy said that it’s an achievement never thought that we would get to achieve.
“Yeah, it’s really exciting. I think Jill Kennare was the last captain to play a test match over here. And I have heard from her in the last couple of days to wish us all the best. But what an amazing experience to come and play test cricket over here. I think it’s something that I never thought that we would get to achieve,” said Healy.
Healy’s Special Connection with India
Healy scored her first ODI century in India and now she is set to begin her captaincy career in India. She talked about her connection with India.
“We genuinely love coming to play cricket in India. Whether it’s for Australia or whether it’s for a WPL franchise it doesn’t really matter. I think it feels like the support over here and the fanatical nature of the way that they love the game is really enjoyable to be a part of.
“And I guess from that perspective it probably makes it even more special to come back here and take over the reins that way. But more importantly, I think the opportunity to play a Test match and to walk out there and put our skills to the test in the longest format. I think it’s going to be a really enjoyable experience for everyone,” said Healy.
Australia’s one-off Test with India will be followed by a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series between the two sides.
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