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In a surprising yet heartfelt decision, Alex Hartley, a prominent figure in England cricket, has chosen to bid farewell to the sport she has passionately graced for years. The spinner, renowned for her significant contributions to England’s cricketing successes, shared her retirement plans on the BBC podcast “No Balls,” which she co-hosts alongside Kate Cross.
Hartley’s journey took a challenging turn earlier this year when she took a hiatus from the game, citing mental struggles while playing for Thunder in regional cricket. However, she made a triumphant comeback in The Hundred Women 2023, donning the Welsh Fire jersey with determination. In her three appearances for the team, she showcased her prowess by securing two wickets, contributing to Fire’s impressive revival this season.
The Welsh Fire’s resurgence in the ongoing tournament has already secured their place in the knockout stages, creating an ideal backdrop for Hartley’s swan song. If chosen, her final match could unfold in either the Saturday eliminator at The Oval or the grand finale at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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A pioneering career comes to an end
Reflecting on her decision, Hartley expressed her enthusiasm about stepping into a new phase of life while reminiscing about her time with Welsh Fire. She praised the team’s supportive staff and acknowledged the challenging yet rewarding journey she embarked upon. She humorously mentioned her aversion to 50-over cricket, indicating her readiness to embrace retirement.
“I’m hanging my boots up – I am officially retiring from cricket. I’ve absolutely loved it at Welsh Fire, every single second of it,” said Hartley during her podcast appearance. “I’m really, really excited. I’m going to really miss it. I’m going to be really sad – but it’s right, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking about it for ages,” she added, alluding to the contemplation that preceded her decision.
Throughout her international career spanning from 2016 to 2019, Hartley represented England in 28 ODIs and four T20Is. Her impressive record includes 39 wickets in One Day Internationals and 3 wickets in the shortest format of the game. Her dedication, skill, and contributions to England’s cricketing legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
