The cricketing world has not seen a real reduction in actions amidst the global lockdown. Though the cricket is being missed on the pitch, a lot is happening off the ground that has kept the fans occupied. Players have been active on social media than ever; authorities and boards are devising ways to cope with the lockdown and the aftermaths. Updates have been regular from Australia and the new news is for NSW fans.
Pacer Sarah Aley has decided to say goodbye to New South Wales. She was one of the veterans of the game and had played a grand total of 16 Women’s National Cricket League Seasons. In these comprehensive 16 seasons, 123 matches saw the pacer on the field. Her tally is third-highest for NSW.
She made her debut in 2004 and 12 out of 20 titles for the side came in her company. She has 97 wickets to her name with a satisfying average of 27.15. For her side, she was the fifth leading wicket-taker. On the first of May, she said that the time was right for her to step aside and let the youngsters take the center stage.
Sarah Aley has announced her retirement from the @NSWBreakers after playing for 16 seasons.
Aley had featured in 123 WNCL matches, third-highest for NSW, including 12 of the 20 titles since her debut in 2004.
Congratulations on your career. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wwbSqAUnsH
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) May 1, 2020
She wanted the new faces to take over and lead the future of her team. She thanked all the people associated with NSW. The players, the coaches and the administrators made it to her list. She expressed that people from NSW had played a significant part in her career. Apart from her company in the team, she acknowledged her family too. Her parents and the three brothers have had their share in making Aley a successful player.
Can’t believe this hard nut is hanging up the boots. Extremely proud to say she is one of best mates & the greatest teammate. If you cut Sarah Aley open her blood 🩸 would be blue. You won’t find a more loyal cricketer!!! Congrats on everything you achieved mate 👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/TzXfZFzI5w
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) May 1, 2020
She recalls that the competitive beast was instilled into her when she played in the backyard with her brothers. In her journey towards becoming a professional cricketer, her family and friends had been understanding when she went away for cricket. Aley made her debut for the Aussie side in 2017 when she was 33. It was the 2017 Women’s Cricket World cup in England and her first match was against Pakistan.
She was also part of two T20Is and 2017 Ashes in the Aussie backyard. Moreover, she was the part of the NSW team that had a successful campaign in WNCL and T20 double. This was the 2013-14 and 2014-15 season. She had 48 wickets in 59 T20 matches. This came with an interesting average of 15.83. According to the report published in Cricbuzz, the skipper of NSW Alyssa Healy paid a tribute to the retiring veteran.
She said that the passion and commitment from Aley for her game and the game of her teammates was key for the side. She thanked her (Aley) for all the years that she has served the breakers and wished that her next phase in life is as successful as her cricketing profile.
Sarah Aley has announced her retirement from the @NSWBreakers 😢
Captain @ahealy77 pays tribute to her friend. pic.twitter.com/bnzKzH0c07
— Cricket NSW (@CricketNSW) May 1, 2020
Aley had also been a part of English County Warwickshire in 2007. From the inception of WBBL, she had played alongside her Sydney Sixers mates in 73 matches. Her journey in WBBL and with Sydney sixer is still not defined and people are speculating if she will continue to play for the franchise.
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