Aussie Star Alex Blackwell has decided to put an end to her cricketing career. She announced her retirement from all forms of cricket, as she stopped serving international duties two years ago and now has bid farewell to the domestic circuit as well. Blackwell was representing Sydney thunders in WBBL this edition, their encounter against Melbourne stars was apparently the finale game of her domestic carrier.
On her retirement she says- “I’d decided before the match that I was going to retire. It’s got to come to an end at some point,” Blackwell said. “There have been many highlights, but what’s been really cool is watching the next generation of Thunder players grabbing their opportunities. It’s been very special to be a part of that – I’m really satisfied”. “I’ve been really happy with mentoring out in the middle. I had an opportunity against the Stars to bat with Phoebe Litchfield and Saskia Horley. It was good to talk to them about what the good options were to go to – and to help clarify in their minds what was on, and where to back themselves.”
Blackwell is Australia’s most serving veteran and has lead her side to a lot of victories. She has led the team to a T20 World Cup victory in 2010, said she wanted to continue on for another year after last year’s close WBBL semi-final loss to the Brisbane Heat. “I was heartbroken, but also amazed, by last year’s semi-final,” Blackwell said. “I, well, a little bit selfishly… thought to myself, ‘I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and contributed to cricket for a long period of time for it to reach this point’. “I thought the WBBL was an amazing competition to be a part of and decided I could go again – and I’m pleased I did. It’s been good fun, and I’ve enjoyed supporting Rachael Haynes because I think she’s led the team very well.”
Alex Blackwell is a flag bearer of women’s cricket and an inspirational figure to everyone especially the newbies.
Source: news18.com
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