Rene Farrell will get the chance to captain NSW in the women’s National Cricket League next month in the absence of Alyssa Healy.
The St George Sutherland Slayers star will stand in as NSW Breakers skipper for their round three and four matches against Western Australia and Victoria while Healy represents Australia at the ICC World T20 in the West Indies.
Farrell, who recently retired from international cricket after taking more than 100 wickets for Australia, has played in the WNCL for more than a decade.
The 31-year-old said she was humbled by the honour.
“To follow in the tradition of those that come before us like Julie Hayes, Lisa Sthalekar and … Alex Blackwell, it’s exciting,” Farrell said.
“I do enjoy talking to the bowlers and making sure they’re all set with their plans.
“If we can … play our roles then hopefully we can come away with the two wins.”
Farrell has experience as a captain in domestic cricket as well as club and junior cricket and will have the experience of former Australia bowler Sarah Aley and all-rounder Naomi Stalenberg to call on.
Farrell has been in top form, taking 6-17 in the Breakers’ one-wicket loss to Queensland.
“The ball was hooping back in a little bit which was really nice,” she said.
“You’d love to take that wicket anywhere with you.
“[I’m] feeling fitter and stronger this year and worked with our coach Joanne Broadbent during the off-season, just figuring some stuff out with my bowling and my action [and] they’re coming out nicely.”
NSW will also be without Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Rachael Haynes and another St George product, Nicola Carey, as well as Healy with the quintet all playing in the World T20 for Australia.
NSW are top of the table after a double bonus-point win over Tasmania, with Farrell the competition’s top wicket-taker.
Meanwhile, Farrell’s junior club have launched a scholarship in her name.
The St George Sutherland Slayers announced on Sunday the launch of the Rene Farrell Scholarship which is to be awarded to two junior players who are playing in the Sydney grade competition each year.
Each recipient will have their fees paid for two seasons and receive funding for new equipment or private coaching through Kingsgrove Sports.
Farrell was the club’s first Australian international, with the initiative supported by Slayers sponsors Club Rivers.
