Australia Women’s Nicole Bolton calls time on her WA career

Australia Women’s cricketer Nicole Bolton has announced her retirement from state cricket after starting her career 17 years ago as a 15-year-old. The 32-year-old made her debut for Australia back in 2014 against England in Melbourne and in the same year, she forayed into T20 cricket as well. Bolton would go on to make her Test debut against England in the subsequent year.

In three Tests, 50 ODIs and two T20Is, Bolton racked up 1993 runs with four centuries and 12 half-centuries. The Perth-born batter mostly flourished in the 50-over format, having scored 1896 runs with a top score of 124 against England at Melbourne back in 2014. After Australia’s one-off Test against England in Taunton in 2019, the veteran lost her place from the national team.

Bolton remains Western Australia Women’s leading run-scorer, scoring 2758 runs over her 85-match WNCL career apart from picking up 59 wickets. Bolton has been contemplating retirement over the last 18 months as she’s been through a lot of challenges, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the last 18 months I’ve found a lot of things quite challenging, says Nicole Bolton

“My heart still loves cricket but it’s not at the forefront of my mind anymore and if it’s something I’m not able to put in 110 per cent, then I think it’s time to walk away. I walk away still very much a proud WA player, it’s been a long 17 years and it’s got to a point where I’m a bit tired to be honest,” Bolton was quoted as saying in The West Australian

“Over the last 18 months I’ve found a lot of things quite challenging around my cricket. After I stopped playing for Australia, I struggled to find my purpose in state cricket. I found joy again the year we won the Ruth Preddy Cup, but I know my time is up,” she stated.

“I didn’t really realise, but I was naturally transitioning out of the cricket bubble over the last year, starting to work and finding my career,” Bolton added.

Bolton’s retirement came at a time when she was on a high. In her last WNCL appearance against Victoria Women, she became the Player of the Match after she notched an unbeaten 105-ball 100 with 10 fours. Bolton, however, would continue playing in the Women’s Big Bash League, but for the Sydney Sixers.