Alex Blackwell takes on her first coaching role since retiring from international cricket, joining UK side Lancashire Thunder
Blackwell lands coaching role
Australia great Alex Blackwell is set to make her first foray into coaching after joining Lancashire Thunder for this year’s England women’s T20 Super League.
The recently retired batter, who called time on her international and domestic 50-over career in February, had previously played in the inaugural season of the domestic 20-over tournament in 2016, turning out for Yorkshire Diamonds.
The 34-year-old, who is expected to line up for Sydney Thunder again this summer in the Rebel Women’s Big Bash, comes with 251 games of international experience including two World Cup victories and three World T20 titles.
She also captained the Thunder to the WBBL|01 title and enjoyed incredible success with the Lendlease NSW Breakers, winning 14 Women’s National Cricket League championships.
“I am excited to work with local up and coming cricketers, in addition to some of the world’s best, as coach of Lancashire Thunder in the Kia Super League this year,” Blackwell said.
“After recently retiring from a 15-year international cricket career, I’m keen to get into coaching and I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to coach in one of the world’s premier T20 competitions.
“My experience as Captain of the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League winning Sydney Thunder team, has given me great insight into what it takes to win a T20 tournament.
“I look forward to assisting each of the Lancashire Thunder squad members to enjoy the Kia Super League and reach new heights both individually and as a squad.”
Thunder general manager Bobby Cross said Blackwell’s knowledge of the game and the courage of her convictions would be an asset for the team.
"With the Kia Super League expanding to a longer tournament this year, and following two disappointing campaigns, both myself and Lancashire’s Director of Cricket Paul Allott, were keen to bring in somebody who we feel can work alongside our coaching staff and help a talented group of players to perform on the field,” Cross said.
“Alex fits the bill perfectly and we are very excited to have her with us."
The 2018 Super League kicks off on July 22.
Overseas recruits have yet to be revealed for the six-team competition, but a number of Australians are expected to feature.