England’s experienced left-arm spinner, Alex Hartley announces retirement from International Cricket at the end of Ongoing The Hundred Women 2023 tournament, she confirmed on Tuesday, August 23. The prolific player is currently a part of the Welsh Fire Women team who are currently placed at the second spot on the Points Table with 11 Points in the kitty.
“It’s time for me to step away from the game – I’m announcing my official retirement from cricket. My journey with Welsh Fire has been an absolute joy, every moment of it. The support from the staff has been incredible, especially in these recent weeks. And you know what, I’ve had my fill of 50-over cricket!” Hartley shared during an episode of “No Balls,” the BBC podcast she co-hosts alongside Kate Cross.
“There’s a lot of excitement bubbling inside me. Of course, I’m going to miss it terribly. There’s going to be a tinge of sadness – but deep down, it feels like the right move. I’ve been mulling over this decision for quite a while,” the 29-year-old expressed.
Alex Hartley suffered setbacks in her career which resulted in her Retirement
Back in 2023, Alex decided to take a short break from Cricket indicating that she was struggling mentally while playing regional cricket for the Hundred team. She also revealed that she had lost her confidence in her bowling & keenness to deliver for the sport. However, the swashbuckling cricketer who led England to a World Cup triumph in 2017 returned back to action with the Hundred 2023 where she featured for Welsh Fire Women. And nevertheless, she displayed a spell-bounding performance for the Welsh Fire franchise scalping two wickets in three matches at an average of 35.00 for the Tammy Beaumont-led side.
Alex Hartley had a short International career but her career span was commendable. After making her debut in International Cricket she featured in 28 ODIs & four T20Is scalping 39 wickets & three wickets respectively. Hartley’s standout performance came during England’s 2017 World Cup win as she played nine games in the World Cup 2017 & ended her stint as England’s second-highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps, including the crucial wicket of India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur in the final at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Ecclestone’s rise as England’s left-arm spinner has resulted in Hartley losing her place in three Lions National teams. Notably, Alex Harley was also excluded from the central contract in 2019. However, she continued to play for Thunder in domestic cricket & Manchers Originals in the inaugural edition of the Hundred before moving to Welsh Fire in the Hundred 2022. But finally, the left-arm spinner has taken the decision to hang her boots after the conclusion of the Hundred Women 2023.
We wish Alex Hartley the best of luck in her future endeavors
