Australia's Nicole Bolton set to retire from cricket after WBBL final

The WBBL final between Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at the North Sydney Oval will see one of Australia's longest-serving cricketers bid farewell to the game as Sixers' Nicole Bolton has called time on an illustrious career. The Australian all-rounder announced her retirement from state cricket last year and has decided to retire from all forms of the game after the summit clash.

Nicole Bolton made her international debut for Women in Yellow in 2014, making an instant impact with a remarkable century on debut at the MCG, becoming the first Australian woman to achieve the feat. With nearly 2000 international runs in 55 appearances for the Aussies across all formats of the game, Bolton was one of the pillars of an all-conquering Australian side over the last decade.

The 33-year-old started her WBBL journey with the Perth Scorchers in 2015 before moving to the Sydney Sixers ahead of the 2021/22 edition of the tournament. The southpaw has accumulated 1844 runs in the premier domestic competition along with 53 wickets and 32 catches to become one of the most sought-after talents in the tournament.

While she was at the crease the game was never done: Leah Poulton

Leah Poulton, Head of Female Elite Cricket, lauded the veteran Aussie cricketer for her impeccable contributions to the team, regarding her as one of the toughest competitors in the game. Poulton also praised her work ethic and her ability to put the team first before any personal milestone. Sixers will hope to make it a fairytale finish for the all-rounder by clinching the title against Adelaide Strikers.

"On-field 'Bolts' will be remembered as one of the all-time great competitors. Tough situations brought out the best in her, while she was at the crease the game was never done. She will be remembered as a wonderful team person, always ready for a laugh and someone who set the standard at training with her incredible work ethic," Cricket NSW Head of Female Elite Cricket, Leah Poulton, said in an official statement.