(Image Source: Cricket Australia)
[Saba Sports News] Nicola Carey, an all-rounder in Australian women’s cricket, made a significant decision in April 2023 by declining a contract renewal with Cricket Australia (CA).
Since 2018, she had been under contract with CA but chose not to renew due to limited playing opportunities in the national team. Carey appeared in just nine of Australia’s 33 matches since early 2022, including the home Ashes and ODIs against Pakistan. Additionally, she was omitted from the T20 World Cup team in South Africa.
Instead of continuing with CA, Carey opted for a contract with Cricket Tasmania, allowing her to train extensively in Hobart. This decision, according to her, has led to more consistent playing time in domestic cricket. Discussing her choice, Carey reflected positively on her conversations with national selector Shawn Flegler and expressed satisfaction with her decision to focus on domestic play and training.
“I haven’t really given (playing for Australia again) a lot of thought to be fair. When I made the decision it was all about playing more cricket. And understandably it’s really hard to get into that team and get a game, because they’ve been ridiculously successful, which has been awesome for Australian cricket,” Carey stated. “But I’m playing consistent playing games … which has been really nice, so I’m happy with where that’s at. I’ll get to play every game of WNCL which I really enjoy, I love getting back and playing with the Tigers girls, we’ve got a great bunch of girls and I’m really looking forward to playing a full season there,” Carey concluded.
Currently, Carey is competing in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Hobart Hurricanes. Despite facing challenges, including a quad injury, she has made a notable impact with 165 runs in eight innings and 10 wickets. Carey remarked on the fluctuating nature of T20 cricket and her team’s performance.