She was the Australia's most capped female player, Alex Blackwell, the 34-years-old called time on her international and state career on Monday (February 19), after featuring in 251 games across all three formats with her debut dating back to an ODI in 2003. Blackwell, though, confirmed that she will continue to play in the Women's Big Bash where she has been leading Sydney Thunder since the inaugural edition.

In an ornamented career that spanned 15 years at the top level, Blackwell scored 5250 runs. Blackwell scored 3492 in ODIs, 1314 in T20Is and 444 runs in Tests.  While being one of seven Australian batters to have more than 1000 T20I runs. Blackwell also led Australia to their maiden World T20 title in 2010, and was a part of their winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014. She played an important role when Australia won the World Cup in 2005 and 2013.

Blackwell's retirement also means the end of an era in Australian women's cricket. Known to be a voice for equality, Blackwell was at the forefront of a sea of changes in women's cricket, bringing about an increased pay and professionalism in their game. Since her debut, she played all of Australia's 12 Tests, 144 of 165 ODIs and 95 of 101 T20Is.

Blackwell, who plays for New South Wales in the Women's National Cricket League, will have one final chance to lead the side in the final, against Western Australia next Saturday, as the side attempts to win its 19th title from the 22 editions played.