Australian cricket great Alex Blackwell has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, an honour that recognises not only her influence on the women’s game but also the weight of her remarkable statistics across a distinguished 15-year international career. From her debut in 2003 to her retirement in 2018, Blackwell built a résumé defined by durability, consistency and leadership at the highest level of the sport.
By the time she stepped away from international cricket, Blackwell had played 252 matches for Australia, the most by any Australian woman at that stage. Her run aggregate across formats stood at 5,251 international runs, placing her among the country’s leading all-time scorers. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), she featured in 144 matches, compiling 3,492 runs at an average of 36.00, including three centuries and 25 half-centuries, with the highest score of 114. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), she appeared 95 times, scoring 1,314 runs at a strike rate that reflected her adaptability in the shorter format, along with eight half-centuries. In the longest format, she played 12 Test matches, accumulating 444 runs.
Numbers alone, however, do not fully capture her value. Blackwell was a central figure in one of the most successful eras in Australian women’s cricket history. She was part of three ICC Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squads (2005, 2013, 2017) and lifted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy on multiple occasions, including captaining Australia to their first T20 world title in 2010. Her leadership extended beyond statistics; she led the national side in 29 matches across formats and was widely respected for her calm authority and tactical intelligence.
Reflecting on the journey that led to her Hall of Fame recognition, Blackwell highlighted the emotional significance of representing Australia alongside her twin sister, Kate Blackwell. “It is my greatest highlight of my career, taking the field with Kate in the Australian colours … one-dayers first, then Test matches, and then we did play T20s together too – we played in the very first T20 for Australia,” she said, underscoring how personal milestones often outweighed even her most impressive statistical feats.
Blackwell’s influence was equally profound off the field. A long-time advocate for equality and inclusion in cricket, she consistently used her platform to push for meaningful change within the sport. When asked what legacy she’d like to leave on the game, her response was simple but meaningful. “I was always someone who promoted inclusivity and teamwork, I think,” she said.
Teamwork within the various Australian teams I was a part of, and then inclusivity within the game more broadly. To be able to talk respectfully and confidently on challenging topics as well within the sport – I’ve been a bit of an agitator for positive change, so I think people would probably remember me for that. Always looking to push for equality, really, for everybody (so that cricket) is a sport for everyone.” she said, reinforcing her commitment to making cricket accessible and welcoming to all communities.
When informed of her induction into the Hall of Fame, Blackwell admitted the recognition was beyond anything she had imagined when she first pulled on the Baggy Green. “It was a huge surprise, It’s certainly not something I ever expected. Legends – Belinda Clark, Don Bradman, my heroes – just to be alongside them is something I can’t quite believe.” Her name now sits among Australian cricket royalty, including figures such as Belinda Clark and Don Bradman, a testament to both her statistical achievements and her broader legacy.
Alex Blackwell’s induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame encapsulates the full arc of a career defined by excellence, leadership, resilience and purpose. From her 252 international appearances and 5,251 runs to captaining Australia to world titles and standing at the forefront of inclusion and equality in sport, she has influenced the game in every dimension. Yet her story does not end with retirement or recognition.
Cricket continues to shape her life through commentary, mentorship, administration and advocacy as she remains deeply invested in the sport’s growth and cultural evolution. Her Hall of Fame honour therefore celebrates not just what she achieved between the boundary ropes, but the enduring role she plays in strengthening and guiding the game she loves.
Loves all things female cricket