Alex Hartley, the left-arm spinner who was part of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph, has announced retirement from professional cricket. Hartley will sign off at the end of the ongoing season of the women’s Hundred, where she is part of Welsh Fire.
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Hartley, 29, took a short hiatus from the sport earlier this year after admitting she was "struggling mentally" while representing Thunder in regional cricket. She later expressed she lost interest in and confidence in her bowling. She returned in the Hundred and has appeared three times for Fire, taking two wickets.
Having already transitioned into a lucrative career as a commentator and broadcaster, Hartley decided to leave the professional game public on the BBC podcast No Balls, which she co-hosts with Kate Cross. Earlier, she had intended to play one last game for Thunder, but she changed her mind when she realised the timing was ideal.
“I’m hanging my boots up - I am officially retiring from cricket,” Hartley said. “I’ve absolutely loved it at Welsh Fire, every single second of it. The staff have been really supportive, they’ve been great over the last month. And I don’t want to play 50-over cricket!”
Hartley made her international debut in 2016 and played 34 matches for England across formats. She was a critical member of the 2017 World Cup team on home soil, taking 10 wickets in eight games. However, her last appearance for England came in March 2019 against Sri Lanka in Katunayake. Hartley finished her international career with 39 ODI wickets at an economy of 4.10 and a best of 4 for 24 against West Indies at Sabina Park in 2016.
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Due to Fire's comeback this season, they have already secured a place in the knockout rounds. If chosen, Hartley will play in either the final on Sunday at Lord's or the eliminator game on Saturday at The Oval. On Tuesday afternoon, Fire will play their last group match against Northern Superchargers.
