Former Australian captain backs in-form Nicola Carey for Women’s T20 World Cup selection

Former Australia captain Alex Blackwell has backed Nicola Carey to earn a place in the national squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year in England. Picked up by Mumbai Indians at her base price of ₹30 lakh during last year’s Women’s Premier League auction, Carey has delivered outstanding performances in the ongoing tournament.

Carey is currently the joint-leading wicket-taker in the competition alongside her MI teammate Amelia Kerr. She has claimed five wickets from just two matches, including her best figures of 3/37 against Delhi Capitals on Saturday in Navi Mumbai. Her ability to strike at crucial moments has made her a key asset for Mumbai Indians. Carey has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 40 and 21 in her two outings at an impressive strike rate.

"If I was a selector I would ask her what her views would be and get her in the camp. 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,” Blackwell said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"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. 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,” she added.

Carey was also in fine form for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she scored 186 runs at an impressive average of 46.50 and picked up 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.52. Since making her international debut in 2018, the right-arm pacer has represented Australia in 23 ODIs and 27 T20Is. However, the rise of Annabel Sutherland led to Carey losing her place in the national side, with her last international appearance coming in December 2022.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians began their WPL campaign with a narrow three-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru but bounced back in emphatic fashion with a comprehensive 50-run victory over Delhi Capitals. The two-time champions currently sit at the top of the points table and will next face Gujarat Giants on Tuesday, January 13, in Navi Mumbai.