ICC women’s T20 World Cup 2020: Nicola Carey fired up for Sydney opener v India
She’s about to represent Australia on home turf in the ICC World Cup. But cricket wasn’t actually this player’s first choice sport.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Humble beginnings made this NRL gun a better player
- Why this teen opted for AFL over NRL and rugby
- Why this Panther never wants to take a sickie
Like most Aussie kids all-rounder Nicola Carey grew up playing backyard cricket with her brothers.
But strangely, for a women who has now made a career and name for herself in the sport, she didn’t really take to it.
“I have two older brothers who played but I never really wanted to play cricket,’’ said Carey ahead of Australia’s ICC World Cup opener against India at the Sydney Showground on February 21.
WORLD CUP: Ash bowled over by support
OVER THE HILL: Erin cracks Aussie team
BIG GOAL: Giant bid for AFLW/NRLW history
SPECIAL: Penrith Panther’s tribute to mate
“I had other interests, like tennis.
“But I used to go to my older brothers games and training and started just bowling in the nets.
“Then I got over tennis and mum suggested signing me up with a boys team and I went along and loved it.’’
Two decades on cricket is her life and winning the ICC World Cup the goal.
Carey, who grew up in Campsie, is heading to her fourth World Cup and thrilled to be playing some of the matches in front of family and friends in Sydney.
“Top play at home is always special,’’ said Carey, who left Sydney Thunder to play the Hobart Hurricanes in the last women’s Big Bash League.
“It will be pretty cool because we don’t get to do it very often.’’
“I only played my first interational match on home soil last year against Sri Lanka and I was so nervous.
“I’m kind of glad I got that done.’’
Australia are the defending champions and have won the biennial international championship for women’s Twenty20 International cricket in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018.
The Matthew Mott coached Australian side will field an experienced squad in the upcoming event with Meg Lanning captaining.
The majority of the squad that won the World Cup two years ago in the Caribbean have been named and made up 13 of the 15 players in the squad.
2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
February 21: Australia v India, Sydney Showgrounds
February 24: Australia v Sri Lanka, WACA Ground
February 27: Australia v Bangladesh, Manuka Oval
March 2: Australia v New Zealand, Junction Oval
March 5: Semi-final 1 and Semi-final 2, SCG
March 8: Final, MCG
MORE SPORT