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.

Also READ: Marie Kelly drives Northern Superchargers to crucial win ove?r Welsh Fire

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, alludin?g to the contemplation that preceded he?r 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.

Also READ: Sophie Ecclestone, Danni Wyatt take center stage as England stars illuminate ?WBBL 2023 draft

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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Cricketers and their love for football is not an unfamiliar thing among the sports fraterni?ty. Be it an international game or a domestic fixture, cricketers are frequently seen playing football before t?he start of every match.

Football is regarded as a re??gular activity of their practice and training sessions. The e??????????????????????????xperts of the fascinating game believe, it is an excellent way to increase flexibility and helps in team bonding.

Recently, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared an update with his fans regarding the ongoing Euro Cup. Ashwin was closely following the semi-final clash between England and Denmark a??nd shared his thoughts regarding th??e epic battle.

“Game on now! Hope #den can keep up with #eng now,” tweeted Ashwin.

Game on now! Hope #den can keep up with #eng now.

— Ashwin ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ (@ashwinravi99) July 7, 2021

As soon as the Tamil Nadu cricketer posted a tweet about the Euro 2020, fans flooded the comment section with their reactions. In the meantime, England women cricketer Alexendra Hartley asked the 34-year-old about the team whi??ch he is?? supporting in the European championship.

In reply, Ashwin went for the famous slogan of England football fans, making it clear that he wants the Harry Kane–led England to emerge champions.

Hahahah.. Itโ€™s coming ๐Ÿก ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿคฉ

— Ashwin ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ (@ashwinravi99) July 7, 2021

In the semi-final, England defeated Denmark by 2-1 and qualified for the fin??al of the UEFA European Football Championship. They will meet Italy in the summit clash and are just one step away? from winning a major title trophy for the first time since 1966. The EURO Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London on Monday (July 12).

Ashwin is currently in England for the upcoming five-match Test series against the home team. The first Test will start from the first week of August. Ashwin recently completed the first cycle of World Test Championship (WTC) 2019-21 as the leading wicket-taker. He took 71 scalps in this time period.

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England women cricketer Alex Hartley has heaped praises on India men’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his tweet regarding the second T20I between India Women and South Africa Women on Sunday. Hartley lauded the Tamil Nadu cricketer for keeping an interest in women’s cricket.

Ashwin is currently enjoying an off time from international cricket after an extraordinary campaign for his side in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The offie, who is also known?? for his brilliant cricketing analysis, often shares opinion concerning all the happenings arou?nd the world of cricket.

On Sunday, the Chennai-lad took to Twitter and asked how to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt โ€?opening batter of South Africa Women’s team โ€?who has performed well against India in the ongoing T20I series. Ashwin wrote: “What is the procedure to get Laura out now? Can u send a soft signal to her? #INDvSA.”

What is the procedure to get Laura out now? Can u send a soft signal to her? #INDvSA //t.co/hKv0XHFG4s

— Ashwin ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ (@ashwinravi99) March 21, 2021

Hartley took cognizance of Ashwin’s post and lauded the veteran Indian off-spinner. She also hoped that other star players would follow Ashwin soon and show interest in Women’s cricket.

“This… this is what we like to see. This is what matters; this is everything. A genuine interest in the women’s game!! Bravo @ashwinravi99, others will follow,” tweeted Hartley.

This… this is what we like to see.
This is what matters, this is everything.

A genuine interest in the womenโ€™s game!!

Bravo ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ @ashwinravi99

๐Ÿคž๐Ÿฝ others will follow. //t.co/qEsFAhSMBS

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) March 21, 2021

Speaking about Wolvaardt’s sensational batting, the Cape Town batswoman took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners in the 2nd T20I of the three-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. She remained unbeaten on 53 ( off 39 balls) as South Africa won the contest by six wickets. The victory? also helped the visitors to clinch the series 2-0 with one game?? still remaining.

Earlier, the Pr?oteas have also won the five-match ODI series 4-1.

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One of the names who are making the rounds of the internet from last two weeks is of Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur team. She grabbed managed all the attention from fans and media after her blistering unbeaten 171 off 115 balls against the defending champions Australians in the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final.

Harmanpreet Kaur knocked ?out the Aussies single-handedly in the knock-stage of the tournament taking her team to the finals. Though India lost to England by mere 9 runs on the big day at Lords but Indian women earned many fans throughout the ICC event.

And now, here’s an another good new for Indian cricket fans.

After playing for the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia, Harmanpreet will be seen in action during the Kia Super League in England.

The 28-year-old will be representing Surrey Stars in the league. Some other big names along with Harmanpreet in the Surrey team are Laura Marsh, Alex Hartley, Tammy Beaumont, Marizanne Kapp and Natalie Sciver.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Team of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 with India’s Mithali Raj as its captain.

A five member selection panel comprising of Geoff Allardice – the ICC General Manager, Cricket, and Chairman Event Technical Committee, Ian Bishop – former West Indies fast bowler, Charlotte Edwards – former England captain, Snehal Pradhan – former Indian player and Lisa Sthalekar– former Australian all-rounder named the elite 12-member team post the tournament.

The side comprises four players from England, including player of the tournament Tamsin Beaumont, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley; Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma along with Mithali from India; three from South Africa including opener Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry.

England’sย Natalie Sciverย was chosen as the 12th player in the side.

Mithali, Taylor and Shrubsole hav?e been picked in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in their ca??reers.

Mithali and Taylor were selected in the Team of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2009, which England won in Sydney in 2009, while Shrubsole was named in the Team of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2013, which Australia won in India in January/February 2013.

The team of ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 (in batting order):

1. Tamsin Beaumont (England) – 410 runs
2. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – 324 runs
3. Mithali Raj (captain) (India) – 409 runs
4. Ellyse Perry (Australia) – 404 runs and nine wickets
5. Sarah Taylor (wicketkeeper) (England) – 396 runs, four catches and two stumpings
6. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) – 359 runs and five wickets
7. Deepti Sharma (India) – 216 runs and 12 wickets
8. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) – 13 wickets
9. Dane van Niekerk (South Africa) – 99 runs and 15 wickets
10. Anya Shrubsole (England) – 12 wickets
11. Alex Hartley (England) – 10 wickets
12. Natalie Sciver (12th) (England) – 369 runs and seven wickets

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