Alex Blackwell reckons Australia might be overlooking a ready-made match-winner. The former captain, freshly inducted into Cricket NSW’s Hall of Fame, believes Nicola Carey has done more than enough on the domestic circuit to warrant a surprise recall for June’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Key facts first. Carey, now 32, last wore national colours in 2023 after turning down a central contract so she could focus on her own pre-season rather than tour as a fringe player. Since then she has piled up runs and wickets for Hobart Hurricanes, steering them to this season’s WBBL final, and was player of the final in last year’s Hundred at Lord’s. Across her international career she owns 27 Twenty20 caps and 23 in the 50-over format.
Blackwell’s pitch to the panel is uncomplicated. “If I was a selector I would ask her what her views would be and get her in the camp,” she said. “If we want to win a World Cup final in a couple of months time in England, that final will be at Lord’s too.”
Australia have reason to search for fresh momentum. They were beaten in the semi-finals of the most recent T20 and 50-over tournaments, leaving a rare vacancy in the trophy cabinet. With only six T20s – all against India – between now and the start of the World Cup, opportunities to fine-tune the squad are limited.
Blackwell is convinced Carey’s all-round craft meets Australia’s immediate needs. “She’s had a wonderful WBBL, I’ve never seen her play better. She got the new ball, it’s swinging. I used to throw her the old ball and say finish them for us,” Blackwell explained. “But she’s added the ability to bowl with the new ball and get it swinging. And she bats great. Left-handed, wonderful in the field. She’s won lots of titles.”
Current skipper Alyssa Healy, preparing to lead the side in India next month, would have no qualms re-opening the door. “I completely understand [her contract decision],” Healy said. “She has been super consistent since making that decision … She has been in outstanding form. We have a thousand allrounders, but having a lefty in there wouldn’t be a bad option.”
Carey’s potential return feeds into a wider debate around the balance of the XI and, to a lesser extent, the leadership group. Tahlia McGrath, vice-captain since 2022, plays a similar seam-bowling all-round role but has battled for rhythm of late. Form permitting, she remains next in line to the captaincy – yet the selectors have alternatives in Ashleigh Gardner, who led Sydney Sixers this summer, and 20-somethings Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, both already captaining WBBL sides.
“There are a few choices, and it’s great to see Ash and Phoebe having opportunities at WBBL level. Either would be a great choice,” Blackwell said. “You don’t always have to pick for a decade. Short-term captaincy is an option. [Tahlia] has got what it takes to lead a side, if she can get back to her form. That’s a viable option as well.”
Selectors are expected to settle the touring party shortly after the India series. Most of the core – Healy, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry and Gardner – is locked in, but one or two spots remain fluid. Carey’s left-arm swing, middle-order muscle and proven nous in English conditions tick several boxes.
Would the player herself be tempted? She has yet to speak publicly, though those close to the Hurricanes camp say she would listen if approached. For Blackwell, the case for at least a conversation feels obvious. With a World Cup – and a Lord’s final – fast approaching, there may be little to lose in making the call.
