Alex Blackwell, Aussie Women's vice-captain calls it a day in 15-year long international career

Alex Blackwell, one of Australia’s most experienced batswomen has called it a day after she announced her retirement from the international and state cricket on Monday. The decision came on Monday after Blackwell-led New South Wales made their way to the finals of 50-over Women’s National Cricket League.

Blackwell was named the player of the match in the game against South Australia Women for her brilliant innings of 76 runs. She will now lead the side for the final on 23rd February where her side New South Wales will take on Western Australia. She’ll aim to help the side clinch the 19th title in the 22 edition of the Women’s National Cricket League.

Long and glorious career for Australia

15-year long Australia career for Blackwell started against England in 2003. She represented Australia in 144 one-dayers where she amassed 3492 runs averaging 34. She hit 3 ODI tons of which one came against England while two of them came against India. She was part of world cup winning side in 2005 and 2013.

In the whites, she played 12 games for the Australians. Her last outing in whites was against England last year during the historic first-ever day-night Ashes Test. She made 5 Test half-centuries to her name in the 12 games.

She represented Australia in 95 T20 internationals as well where she made 1314 runs averaging 21.19. She captained the side in 2009 where she led Southern Stars to their first World T20 title while she was with the team during their victorious campaign in 2012 and 2014.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland congratulated Blackwell on her glorious career. “Alex has been a wonderful servant to Australian Cricket, and a tremendous leader both at the national and international level, and we congratulate her on an outstanding career that has spanned more than 16 years,” Sutherland said.”

Australian selectors were due to announce the squad for their tour of India next month and her announcement means that they will have to fill the void left by her with another player. Although the right-hander will continue her stint in the Women’s Big Bash League where she has led Sydney Thunder from the first season of the tournament.