Fields leaves with slice of history

Jodie Fields leaves the international stage as one of Australia’s most accomplished female cricketers.

Debuting for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars in February 2006 in the only Test against India at the Adelaide Oval, Jodie Purves, as she was then known, made a defiant 43 not out and took five catches behind the stumps to kick-start her prolific international career.

In 2009, Fields was named Australia’s 15th Women’s Test captain, celebrating the milestone with her maiden Test century against England in the draw at Worcester, leaving the urn in the hands of the hosts.

Fields, 29, played 67 one-day internationals and 37 T20 internationals, with her limited-overs career highlighted by world titles in both formats.

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After missing the 2010 ICC Women’s World T20 final through injury, Fields was determined to lead her side to victory in the 2012 edition of the tournament.

A dramatic final over by allrounder Ellyse Perry sealed victory for the Southern Stars and Fields, who expressed her relief in joining her team-mates as World Cup winners.

"Watching the girls win that back at home was just awesome. I was just really determined to get back playing cricket and be part of this with 15 other awesome girls. I don't know what more to say," Fields said.

"Watching them play another tight match against New Zealand in the 2010 final, the celebrations that they had and the feelings they came home with, it was something I knew I wanted to be part of.

“I worked really hard to get back, and leading this side was something I really wanted to do."

Next was the 50-over World Cup in India four months later, with Fields looking to win back the title of world champions after it was lost in 2009 on home soil under the leadership of her predecessor, Karen Rolton.

Australia lost only one game heading into the final but they would have to trump their sole tormenter in the West Indies if they were to win the championship for a record sixth time.

Despite a closely-fought Super Sixes match, Fields made sure the final was a one-sided affair, rallying her troops with promised aggression, and subsequently demolishing the Windies Women by 114 runs.

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Consecutive world titles will define her career, with no other captain, either men’s or women’s, holding both World Cups at the same time.

The one trophy Fields won’t finish her career with is the smallest, as Australia were unable to retain and then regain the Women’s Ashes in 2013-14.

Injury cut short her chance at redemption when England toured Australia last summer, and despite the hosts winning more games, the Ashes were lost, with Fields unable to complete the series after succumbing to injury once more.

Aiming for full fitness ahead of the 2014-15 season, Fields will turn out for Queensland in her 15th season, hoping to add to the Fire’s first WT20 title that was secured last year.