‘That’s probably helped’ - Georgia Voll opens up on replacing Alyssa Healy in Australia setup after legendary opener’s retirement

Australia Women’s star opener Georgia Voll has revealed how the backing of the team management and clarity around her role helped her seamlessly transition into a permanent opening spot following the retirement of legendary wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy.

Healy brought the curtains down on her illustrious international career in March 2026, leaving a significant void at the top of Australia’s batting order. However, Australia had already identified Voll as a long-term successor, and the young batter has repaid that faith with a series of impressive performances across formats.

The 22-year-old first grabbed attention during Australia’s ODI series against India in late 2024 when a knee injury sidelined Healy. Voll made an immediate impact, scoring an unbeaten 46 on debut before registering a century in just her second international appearance. Since then, she has steadily established herself in the national setup and had already amassed 21 international caps by the time Healy retired.

Despite stepping into one of the most demanding roles in Australian cricket, Voll credited the support she received from teammates and coaches for easing the transition.

“Just being backed right from the start, knowing my role within this team,” Voll was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

The opener also reflected on the period when she frequently moved in and out of the playing XI while Healy remained Australia’s first-choice opener.

“I was in a little bit, out a little bit with Midge still going about her business and just being able to learn off her and the other the senior players in the group, being able to train in different conditions even though I wasn’t playing, just getting ready for that opportunity. That’s probably helped me go out there when I get that opportunity and back myself,” she continued.

Voll has continued to flourish in her new role and is currently ranked as the No.1 batter in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings. Her aggressive approach was once again on display during Australia’s T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan at Headingley, where she scored 39 off 28 deliveries and stitched together a crucial century partnership with Ellyse Perry after Beth Mooney departed for a first-ball duck.

Speaking about her responsibilities at the top of the order, Voll emphasized her intent to put pressure back on opposition bowlers and provide strong starts for the team.

“That’s my role at the top, to put pressure back on the bowlers and try and get our team off to a really good start,” Voll, who has already risen to the top of the T20I batting rankings, said.

“With the depth of our team, I get that licence to go out there and see the ball and hit the ball, and that’s probably my role up the top,” she concluded.

Australia are on a roll in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, winning all of their first four matches in Group A. Voll has played an instrumental role in it, scoring 101 runs in four innings with a strike rate of 138.36.