For almost 20 years, Alyssa Healy rarely had a chance to slow down.

One tour rolled into the next, training blocks blended together, and another international assignment was never far away.

Now, one of Australia’s most decorated cricketers has embraced what she calls being “a normal person again” as she begins the next chapter of her cricket journey in the Fox Cricket commentary box.

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Speaking to FoxSports.com.au, Healy opened up on life after retirement and why she’s excited to join Fox Cricket’s commentary team after confirming on Thursday that she would be joining the network ahead of what shapes as one of the biggest summers in recent memory.

“Retired life is quite peaceful. I will say. I’m a lot less stressed,” Healy said.

“I actually went back to cricket the other day and tried to talk a few more people into retirement with how good it’s been.

“I’ve found myself being a normal person again… as an athlete, you’re on such a schedule, a routine.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 08: Alyssa Healy of Australia leads the team from the field after dismissing India in their second innings during day three of the Women’s Test Match between Australia and India at the WACA ground on March 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“For me it’s just been winding down and living at home and being normal to an extent. I’ve really enjoyed that.”

While retirement has allowed Healy to slow down, she departs as one of the defining figures in Australian cricket history.

Across a career spanning almost two decades, the wicketkeeper-batter represented Australia in nearly 300 international matches, captained the national side across all three formats and helped deliver multiple World Cup triumphs.

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Her fearless batting revolutionised the role of an opening wicketkeeper, while her unforgettable 170 against England in the 2022 ODI World Cup final remains the highest score ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup final.

Her achievements during one of the most successful eras in Australian cricket cemented her place among the greatest players the game has produced, with her influence extending well beyond the runs she scored and the catches she took behind the stumps.

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Now, having closed one of Australia’s greatest playing careers, Healy is preparing for a fresh challenge.

Although she has featured in Fox Cricket’s coverage previously, this summer marks the beginning of her first season as a permanent member of the commentary team, bringing the perspective of someone who only recently stepped away from the international stage.

“I likened it to joining a new team. It’s almost like you leave one team and you enter another,” Healy said.

“I stepped out of my Aussie shoes and straight into a commentary box, which was another team environment. I really enjoyed that experience.

“I still love the game of cricket. I still love watching cricket… to sit there alongside some of the people I used to idolise growing up was a really amazing experience.”

Healy’s arrival comes ahead of a blockbuster schedule for Fox Cricket, with Australia’s tour of South Africa kicking off a huge summer before attention shifts home for a highly anticipated Test series against New Zealand.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Alyssa Healy poses during a Cricket Australia Media Day at Allan Border Field on September 05, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The excitement won’t stop there either, with 2027 set to feature a historic 150th Ashes Test against England, a blockbuster tour of India and an away Ashes campaign in England, giving Healy no shortage of the game’s biggest moments to analyse.

Healy believes the home series against New Zealand could be one of the highlights of the summer.

“I think Boxing Day is going to be huge,” Healy said.

“I think a lot of Australia probably underestimate how good New Zealand are at Test cricket.

“They might seem a little bit unknown to us, but I think they’ve got some real quality cricketers within the squad, not just in the XI.

“I’ve heard a lot of Kiwis already bought tickets, they’re coming across. I think the first three days are sold out already.”

She also singled out Australia’s return to South Africa as another series she’s eagerly anticipating.

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“I think the boys are going to be well prepared to go into a little bit of a hostile environment.

“That last Test match being in Cape Town is going to be a huge finish to that series.”

“Honestly, with that much cricket on the calendar, I think it’s all going to be so exciting.”

Having stepped away from international cricket only months ago, Healy believes the greatest asset she can offer viewers is the fresh perspective of someone who has only recently left the Australian dressing room.

“It wasn’t that long ago I was still playing,” Healy said.

“It’s a unique look at what is happening out on the field. Hopefully I can give those insights again.”

Rather than simply criticising players, Healy says her role is to help viewers better understand the decisions being made in the middle.

Former Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has become one of the faces of the Fox Cricket commentary team. Picture: Fox SportsSource: FOX SPORTS

“My job isn’t to go there and criticise players. My job is actually to explain why I think they’re making the decisions that they are.”

Of course, insight alone isn’t why Healy has become such a natural fit in the commentary box.

The same humour, authenticity and down-to-earth personality that defined her playing career has translated seamlessly into broadcasting, allowing viewers to see the same Alyssa Healy behind the microphone that they watched behind the stumps.

Healy believes much of the positive reaction has simply come from being herself.

“All I remember from this is… that’s just the natural reaction to me being who I am personality-wise,” she said.

She admits some of her favourite moments have come alongside veteran broadcaster Kerry O’Keeffe, with the pair’s chemistry becoming one of last summer’s unexpected highlights.

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“I’ve been really lucky. I feel like every rotation I’m on, I love,” Healy said.

“I think everyone really saw Kerry and myself last summer as maybe a bit more of a comedy show than a commentary slot, but I really enjoyed working with him.”

“Honestly, I can’t name names because I think they’re all super unique. They’ve all got a really different way about calling the game.”

For Healy, the commentary box may be a new team, but the approach remains unchanged: be authentic, enjoy the game and help Australians see it through the eyes of someone who has lived it.

The schedule that dictated every day of her life for almost 20 years may finally be over.

But Australian cricket fans won’t have to wait long to hear one of the game’s most recognisable voices again, this time from behind the microphone rather than behind the stumps.