After retiring from national and international competition as Australias most-capped female cricketer, Alex Blackwell is busier than ever coaching, commentating and sitting as a director on the Cricket NSW board.
But her hectic schedule hasn't stopped the superstar batter leading the Sydney Thunder into their 2018 WBBL opener on Sunday against the Renegades in Melbourne.
"I'm feeling really lucky to be a part of the game at this time, when there are so many opportunities, and I'm making the most of them all," Blackwell said. "I'm really enjoying being back in an elite training environment."
Back in the swing: Alex Blackwell has retired from state and international cricket but will lead the Thunder.Credit:AAP
For Blackwell, captaining the Thunder is about mentoring as much as playing.
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"That's the best thing about being a captain at WBBL level: seeing the development and progression of the younger players," she said.
She has an exciting group to work with, including Belinda Vakarewa, Naomi Stalenberg, Rachael Haynes, Nicola Carey, Stafanie Taylor, Maisie Gibson, Harmanpreet Kaur and Rachel Priest.
"I'm really excited by the whole group and what they achieve," Blackwell said.
Vakarewa, the young quick whose career has risen almost as fast as her bowling, has been particularly difficult to face in the nets, Blackwell said.
"She's been showing a lot of really skillful variation, and she's been able to execute at will."
Back in action: Blackwell will be batting for the Sydney Thunder from Sunday.Credit:AAP
Despite her international and domestic success, Blackwell still has scores to settle.
"I enjoyed the contest with the Adelaide Strikers last year. Theyve got a really great bowling line-up and I look forward to performing better this season. I wasn't satisfied with my performance against them last year, so from a personal point of view I look forward to that battle," Blackwell said.
With the Sydney Sixers coming off two straight titles, the Thunder have tough competition with their cross-town rival.
"We'll be looking to equal their record this year: two from four years," Blackwell said.
"As the only two teams that have won the competition, we understand how amazing that feels, to go away with the trophy."
"For them to have done it back to back is a real credit to their squad and support staff, but what it also highlights is the development of NSW players through the NSW Breakers system for many years."
As a former Breakers captain, Blackwell admits she is "a bit biased".
Coming off the back of Australia's win at the ICC Women's World Twenty20 competition over England in Antigua last week, Blackwell sees the Australian women's game going from strength to strength.
"It's great to see that over many years there's been a shift to not only taking notice but having women's cricket as a real priority," Blackwell said.
"So it's a really exciting time for women and girls in the game."
For the next two months, that will be especially true for those in the WBBL and their fans.
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