Australian cricketers Nicola Carey and Elyse Villani have announced they are expecting their first child together, sharing the news through a social media post that quickly drew congratulations from across the cricket world. The couple posted a picture alongside baby clothes and ultrasound images with the caption: “Next chapter loading for us… Baby boy due November 💙”.
The announcement comes during a major new chapter in both their personal and professional lives. Earlier this month, the long-time pair also revealed they had bought a home together, offering fans glimpses of their life away from cricket after years spent travelling through domestic and international schedules.
For Villani, the pregnancy news arrives just months after the end of a remarkable playing career. The former Australian batter retired from professional cricket in December 2025 after captaining the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden Women’s Big Bash League title in a fairytale finish. The Hurricanes defeated Perth Scorchers by eight wickets in the final at Bellerive Oval, sealing the club’s first WBBL crown. Villani announced her retirement moments after the victory, calling it the perfect ending to her career.
One of the most accomplished players in Australian domestic cricket, Villani played for Australia across formats and built a legacy as one of the Women’s Big Bash League’s greatest batters. Across her WBBL career, she scored more than 3,500 runs and remained among the competition’s leading all-time run-scorers. She also represented Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes during a career that stretched across every era of the WBBL.
Villani’s influence extended beyond statistics. She became one of the central figures in Tasmania’s rise in women’s cricket and played a key role in transforming the Hurricanes into title contenders. Her final season ended with Hobart topping the table before lifting the trophy in front of a home crowd, making her retirement one of the most emotional moments of the 2025 season.
Carey, meanwhile, continues to remain firmly in Australia’s international plans. The seam-bowling all-rounder was recently recalled to the national side after a strong domestic summer and has now been named in Australia’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
The 32-year-old had spent nearly three years outside Australia’s setup before forcing her way back through consistent performances with both bat and ball. Known for her versatility and control with the ball in middle overs, Carey has represented Australia in ODIs and T20Is since making her debut in 2018 and was part of several successful squads during Australia’s dominant era in world cricket.
Her return to the World Cup squad comes at a time of transition for Australia following Alyssa Healy’s retirement and Sophie Molineux’s appointment as captain. Carey’s experience and adaptability were viewed as important assets as selectors shaped a balanced squad for English conditions.
The announcement from Carey and Villani has been warmly received throughout the cricket community, with current and former teammates flooding social media with messages of support and congratulations. For two players who have spent years contributing to Australian cricket in different ways, the next chapter now arrives away from scoreboards and trophies, with a new addition to their family expected later this year.
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