Former Australia bowler Rene Farrell announces Women's Big Bash retirement

As well as representing Australia on 101 occasions – though not since 2017, Farrell took 79 wickets in 66 games for Thunder in Australia’s flagship T20 competition

Former Australia bowler Rene Farrell has retired from Women’s Big Bash cricket following Sydney Thunder’s final game of the season.

The game had already been billed as an emotional swansong for Alex Blackwell, Australia’s most-capped female player.

However, Farrell joined her teammate in a post-match guard of honour in Melbourne to celebrate the end of their respective WBBL careers.

For Blackwell, it signifies her retirement from all cricket, though Farrell will continue to play for New South Wales Breakers.

As well as representing Australia on 101 occasions – though not since 2017, Farrell took 79 wickets in 66 games for Thunder in Australia’s flagship T20 competition.

“I still have 50-overs cricket with the NSW Breakers,” Farrell said. “Hopefully I can go out on a high there like we did for Alex's career and winning that.

“I have a bit of cricket left, [but this send off with Sydney Thunder] was really special.”

^{Alex Blackwell was afforded a fine send-off into retirement}

Blackwell, who had announced her impending retirement in the buildup to the game against Melbourne Renegades, which Thunder lost by 29 runs, insisted on including Farrell in her send-off.

“I couldn’t have that send off without sharing it with her,” Blackwell added. “She’s been an absolute legend of the game; really valuable – especially in T20.

“She’s a big loss, a wonderful character. She’s been an incredible servant of the game and it’s easy to get emotional when you think of her contribution.”

Thunder general manager Chris Botherway said: “Rene Farrell is a well-loved member of Sydney Thunder, and her ability to instil confidence in her teammates with her bright – but fiercely competitive – nature is a rare gift,” he said.

“Just as we praised Alex Blackwell for helping to shape the character of this club, we afford the same tribute to Rene. Her contribution to the success and culture of Sydney Thunder is impossible to measure.

“She is also an important figure in our history, being the first signing the club announced and having a starring role in our WBBL|01 triumph.

“Rene was signed because of the many positive aspects it was thought she could bring to Thunder. Anyone who knows her will testify she exceeded all expectations.”

Thunder narrowly missed out on reaching the finals stages of this year’s Women’s Big Bash.

Subscribe to The Cricketer this Christmas and receive a £20 John Lewis voucher or Alastair Cook's autobiography. Claim your free gift here

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.