Alex Hartley, a stalwart in women's cricket who was an integral part of the England's squad during their 2017 Women’s World Cup victory, has confirmed her decision to retire from cricket as soon as the Women's Hundred tournament concludes. Her incredible career boasts of taking 10 crucial wickets in the World Cup, with her sterling performance of two wickets for 58 runs in the epic final against India standing out as a highlight in her international journey which spanned 28 ODIs and four T20s.
While Hartley has been absent from the England roster since 2019, she made headlines in May when she took a brief break from cricket. Citing mental health reasons, she openly expressed how she had momentarily lost her passion for the sport.
However, her love for the game saw her make a return for the Welsh Fire. This team has already ensured a spot in the upcoming eliminator at the Kia Oval and might even make it to the grand final at Lord’s. Regardless of the Fire's performance in these crucial matches, Hartley, also renowned for her broadcasting role with BBC’s Test Match Special, has made it clear that her cricket journey will draw to a close this weekend.
“I’m hanging the boots up. I am officially retiring from cricket,” shared the 29-year-old Hartley on her BBC ‘No Balls’ podcast. “I can’t believe it, I feel so good. I’ve loved it, I’ve hated it but I am really proud of what I’ve achieved. It’s everything that I’ve ever wanted to do.”
While Hartley's stellar international career started in 2016, she reflects that nearly 17 years have been dedicated to the sport she loves. The talented cricketer now looks forward to enjoying some free moments, albeit she'll remain connected to cricket in other capacities. “At the minute, it’s work, cricket, work, cricket. I haven’t seen my school friends for about a year because I never have time,” she expressed.
Currently playing for North West Thunder on the domestic front since 2020, Hartley has added two wickets under her belt in three matches for the Cardiff-based Fire. As the table stands, they're in second place and stand a chance to top the charts and make it directly to the Lord's final, based on the outcomes of their upcoming matches.
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