Australia begin transition in wicketkeeping role ahead of ODI series at Allan Border Field, with Healy set to captain in her final home campaign

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Australia have officially begun a major transition in their wicketkeeping department, with Beth Mooney confirmed as the team’s new full-time wicketkeeper. Alyssa Healy, who recently announced her retirement, will move into the field for her farewell series against India while continuing to lead the side. The change comes as Australia trail 4-2 in the ongoing multi-format series following the T20 leg.

Healy will return as captain for the first ODI at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, marking the beginning of a fortnight-long farewell tour. The series also includes two more ODIs in Hobart before a final Test at the WACA Ground next month. Despite giving up the gloves, Healy is expected to continue opening the batting during the ODI series.

The 35-year-old has been Australia’s first-choice wicketkeeper since 2014 and leaves behind a remarkable record of 275 dismissals across formats — the most in women’s international cricket. However, she has not kept wicket since the end of the Women’s Big Bash League, instead featuring purely as a fielder for New South Wales in the Women’s National Cricket League.

Mooney’s promotion had long been anticipated, but Cricket Australia has brought the full-time switch forward to ensure stability in the squad. Having already kept during the T20 matches against India, Mooney’s elevation formalises her position as Australia’s long-term solution behind the stumps. She has previously filled in as wicketkeeper 28 times at international level, mainly during Healy’s injury absences.

Speaking ahead of the series, Mooney admitted that balancing multiple fielding roles alongside wicketkeeping had been challenging. She explained that being moved around the field made it difficult to train consistently, and she is looking forward to focusing solely on batting and keeping duties. The clarity in role, she believes, will help her deliver stronger performances.

Mooney also highlighted how increased opportunities over the past year have boosted her confidence. Regularly keeping to Australia’s frontline bowlers, including Ashleigh Gardner, has sharpened her movement and overall glovework. She feels her improvements are directly linked to greater consistency and familiarity within the team setup.

Looking ahead, Australia face a busy international calendar with a multi-format tour of the West Indies scheduled next month, followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England in June. The early transition in the wicketkeeping role ensures continuity as the team prepares for another major global tournament.

As Healy prepares for an emotional farewell and Mooney steps into a defining phase of her career, Australian women’s cricket enters a new chapter — honouring a legendary figure while building for the future.