Alex Blackwell Becomes First-Ever Woman to Get Elected to NSW Board

New South Wales (NSW) has selected former Australian skipper, Alex Blackwell in their board; thus becoming the first elected woman in the 159-year history of the board.

Since making her debut in 2003, Blackwell played 12 Tests, 144 ODIs and 95 T20Is for her country. She was a prolific run-getter, especially in the ODI format, compiling 3492 runs at an average of 36.

The veteran also captained Australia to victories in the Ashes and the World T20. She retired from the game in February this year.

“I grew up loving the game and am grateful for all the opportunities that cricket has given me,” Blackwell said. “I want to continue contributing to the game and thank the Cricket NSW members for the faith they have placed in me to do that at Board level,” she added.

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She also adds she is fortunate to during a rapidly expanding era in women’s cricket. Further, Blackwell wants to ensure more and more girls, and women take up cricket in the future.

Two other women – Patricia Forsythe (current director) and Rina Hore (former director) have been a part of the board. However, Blackwell becomes the first elected female representative.

“Until 2016 Elected Directors could only be drawn from a pool of 34 club, Zone and association delegates, all but one of whom were male. Now members can nominate anyone for election they believe to be qualified. This important change allows members to elect people the calibre of Alex as directors without them needing to be delegates first,” Andrew Jones, the chief executive said.

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