Australian wicketkeeper presents awards at club responsible for career

It was not long ago that Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy was wearing the blue and white of her western Sydney junior cricket club, but a trip down memory lane has the star looking forward to the future of cricket.

Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy at the Carlingford Waratah Cricket Club's presentation night. Picture: Matthew Chia

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Australian women’s cricket star Alyssa Healy has come a long way since stumbling upon kanga cricket at Cox Park as an eight-year-old.

Although these days the test wicketkeeper is one of the biggest names in the sport, she credits her early years with the Carlingford Waratah Cricket Club as being a major factor in her success.

That is why the 29-year-old was more than happy to be a special guest at the club’s junior presentation night earlier this month.

Sixers' Alyssa Healy cuts during WBBL match between the Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I’m really lucky that I’ve had the journey that I have and I can come back … here and share my story,” Healy said.

“I started out like all the kids here today and if I can inspire a couple more to come through from Carlingford I think it will be really special.”

As well as signing autographs and posing for pictures, Healy said it was nice to be able to take a trip down memory lane.

Alyssa Healy and Shane Cotton, Club Captain of Carlingford Waratah Cricket Club with juniors Shrey, Christian, John, Ayden and Callum. Picture: Matthew Chia

“I have a lot of fond memories playing in the blue and white,” she said.

“It’s where I started my cricket and where I really learnt how to play the game.

“I started like a lot of (these) guys here today so … I’ll keep a watch out as to who, both male and female, might be playing in the green and gold in the future.”

The presentation night also gave Healy a chance to reflect on what she calls a “breakthrough” 12 months as she and the rest of the Australian squad gear up for next year’s T20 World Cup on home soil.

Healy signing an autograph for a young fan. Picture: Matthew Chia

“Personally, the last 12 months has been a bit of a breakthrough year,” Healy said.

“The women’s game (has been) on the telly a bit more and (more people) can see the success that we’ve been having.

“We dominated in a World T20 win over in the West Indies which was something really special to do.

“I’ve won a couple of them now and they never get any easier but they do get more enjoyable.

“Representing your country and travelling the world is what I enjoy doing and I get to do it for a living and to be able to contribute to a really successful team makes it even more special.”

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