Alex Blackwell went from a vineyard in Yenda to captaining the Australian Women’s Cricket Team to international success during an illustrious career which came to an end when she announced her retirement from international and state cricket on Monday.
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The 34-year-old is Australia’s most capped female player, taking part in 251 matches across formats since her debut in 2003, a dream which may never have been realised if not for one Griffith East Public School teacher.
“Mr Cook (Wayne) who was a teacher at the time came up with the idea of entering a girls cricket team in the state competition back in 1995,” she said.
“The team which featured myself and my twin sister Kate went on to win the state title, and if not for that experience we probably would have followed our other passion which was soccer.”
Blackwell also play credit to many from Griffith and the surrounding effort for getting her to a position early in life where she would be able to go on and represent her country.
“The Ex-Serviceman’s Cricket Club was huge as a whole with all of the support they gave me and Kate,” she said.
“Jeff McKenna also played a big part as he taught me how to play cricket properly and as Warren Smith from Wagga.”
The veteran cricket player is pleased to see the continued development of sportspeople in the regional areas.
“Sport plays such a huge role in regional areas,” she said
“When I finished school at Griffith East Kate, and I use to walk to Exies ground just down the road and train.
“It was a really important part of my life growing up.”
The Yenda product also thanked her parents for the time and dedication early in her cricketing ventures which involved many weekends on the road.
“I'd like to thank my family, and particularly my parents as a kid from the country driving my twin sister Kate and I around to all the cricket grounds in Hay, Wagga, Griffith and all of the Riverina and also those long journey's to Sydney,” she said.
“I couldn't have been the cricketer I am without the encouragement and opportunities they provided.”
Whether she was overseas or in Australia, Blackwell could always fell the support coming from her hometown and the surrounding areas.
“Our beginning was here,” she said.
“We owe it all to the great start, and I really appreciate all of the local support.
“Whether we were overseas or in Australia we always had people sending messages of support or ringing up to wish us luck. Kate and I will never forget the amazing support we received throughout our careers.”
Blackwell compiled 5250 runs batting in the middle order for Australia in the Test, Twenty20 and one-day arenas, becoming just the fourth Australian to pass 5000 runs in a career that spanned more than 14 years.
She was part of part of two World Cup victories for Australia in 2005 and 2013 plus two World T20 winning sides in 2012 and 2014.
She will play her last game for NSW in the WNCL final on Saturday as the Breakers look for their 19th title from 22 editions. Blackwell will continue to play for the Sydney Thunder in the Women's Big Bash League.