'Long live Test cricket' - Alyssa Healy's ode to the longest format in final international appearance

Australia Women’s captain Alyssa Healy signed off from international cricket on a high, with a win over India by 10-wickets in the one-off Test at the WACA Stadium in Perth.

Speaking in her farewell speech after her team’s victory, she mentioned how proud she was after her team bounced back from losing the T20 leg of the series.

"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.

She highlighted the importance of Test cricket in developing the skills and games of younger players.

"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.

She added that she believes the team will achieve "great things" under the leadership of Sophie Molineux, who takes over as captain in all three formats.

"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,

She thanked the fans at Perth for their continued support throughout the Test match.

"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 concluded with praise of the Indian team, over their performances here coming right from the WPL and wished them well for the T20 World Cup in England in June.

"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," she said.

Healy called time on an illustrious 15-year career, with over 7000 runs in all formats. In her last ODI in the same series, she smashed a brilliant 158 off just 98 balls. She retired as a winner of six T20 World Cups and two ODI World Cups.