The Australian women”s cricket team vice-captain Alex Blackwell has announced her retirement from international cricket for Australia and her domestic state side New South Wales. She will continue to feature in the women”s big bash league though, for her team Sydney Thunders of which she is the captain as well.
The announcement came as a surprise and on the day when she struck a 76 run knock for New South Wales in the domestic one-day tournament. She is most capped women”s international player for Australia with 251 appearances for the Aussies.
This was my best ever performance with the bat for Australia. Being a part of a world record 10th wicket partnership with @DJbimmy is one of my all time proudest moments. She was the rock! I’m sad to say goodbye to my Aus teammates. Wishing them luck for the India tour in March https://t.co/GDXiaouTlV
— Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) February 19, 2018
Blackwell recently played a crucial part in Australia”s all formats ashes win over the arch-rivals England.
Her retirement now means the Australian team will be without her experience when they arrive in a month”s time to India for an ODI as well as a t20 tri-series with England involved too.
Australia's @AlexBlackwell2 announced her international retirement today – take a look back at her blistering 90 off 56 in the #WWC17 semi-final!
It was her highest @cricketworldcup score in what proved to be her final match at the competition. pic.twitter.com/A6980lKPXV
— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2018
Blackwell was quoted saying, “I think it”s really nice to be able to finish at a time when I feel my game has never felt stronger, I also become increasingly interested and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, that may require my playing days to wrap up.
Congrats to @AlexBlackwell2 on a stellar cricketing career with Australia and NSW. I hope you enjoy retirement!
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) February 19, 2018
“[Retirement] probably creeps into your mind well in advance of the moment. The decision to retire was final in this season, I”m happy about that decision and excited about the opportunities again,” she added.
Read more about Alex Blackwell's incredible career after the Aussie VC announced her retirement from international and state cricket: https://t.co/4dJ2cBUyoK #ThanksAlex pic.twitter.com/Pf8kYWiDTI
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) February 19, 2018
With an international career spanning almost 15 years, and 5250 runs across formats, taking up coaching or mentoring is a possibility Blackwell said she could consider outside of her WBBL commitments. “I believe I”ll always be involved in cricket in some capacity,” Blackwell said. “To have a career as long as I have, you accumulate many skills and expertise and experiences which you can share. I would hope that”s not a lot to the game so my intention would be to still be involved in some capacity.”
Press conference today at the SCG to announce my retirement. Click link below to listen. Held back the tears… just! Cannot thank Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW enough for the opportunity to play the sport I love at the highest level https://t.co/418XX3omBb
— Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) February 19, 2018
We wish Alex Blackwell all the luck for her future endeavors.
