Cricket Australia News: Alyssa Healy named permanent captain of Women's team; McGrath vice-captain

Cricket Australia News: Alyssa Healy will lead the Australian Women's Cricket Team after being named as captain across all three formats. Having already led Australia since June, in series against England, Ireland, and West Indies, Healy will now play the role full-time after Lanning took retirement on her international career last month.

Tahlia McGrath will serve as vice-captain, with the 28-year-old allrounder now positioned as the eventual successor when Healy hangs up the gloves. McGrath twice led the side during the past 12 months when Healy was unavailable.

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Lanning's level of success as captain and indelible imprint on the game in Australia has left a sizeable hole, but Healy said she was looking forward to leading the team through a period of transition.

"I am honoured to accept the role of captain and am grateful for the opportunity to lead our team," she said.

Under Healy, Australia retained the Ashes this year, however, lost both the T20I and ODI legs 2-1 to England as the points-based series ended 8-8.

"I've really enjoyed the support of the players over the past few months and their encouragement to continue to be who I am and lead the group like I normally would from within," she added.

"My approach will remain consistent to what it has been previously, but I'll make my mark on the role and be sure that I'm doing the best I possibly can for this group to maintain the success that we've had."

"I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I'm really lucky that (India tour) happened to allow me to get a taste of it and to also leave a little bit of a mark on the group," Healy told cricket.com.au earlier this year.

Australia's first major project under Healy will be the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be played in Bangladesh, next September-October.

McGrath said her appointment as vice-captain was a "privilege", and looked forward to working alongside her more senior teammate.

"Alyssa and I have played together for a long time, we know our respective leadership styles well and I look forward to helping her lead our group as we embark on a busy, but exciting international schedule," McGrath said.

A 16-player Australia squad will reach Mumbai on Wednesday for an upcoming multi-format series against India, starting with a sole Test match from December 21, before three ODIs and three T20Is to follow.