Swoop Play of the Week: Veteran Sarah Aley makes debut at cricket World Cup

IT was the feel-good story of the week and it’s earned Swoop Play of the Week.

• Sarah Aley makes debut
• Aussies ready for England
• Blackwell wants same baggy green for men and women

IT was the feel-good story of the week and it’s earned Swoop Play of the Week.

A 33-year-old making her ODI debut in the green and gold.

A team player who just a year ago almost retired from her sport.

So when NSW fast bowler Sarah Aley took the pitch against Pakistan to make her ODI debut, it was a moment to savour. A moment to cheer about. A moment that made us smile.

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Sarah Aley during her ODI debut.

It was a testament to her will and determination and never giving up on a dream.

Aley became one of the oldest women ever to make a ODI debut for Australia in her teams 159-run win over Pakistan at Leicester

And as Fiona Bollen wrote, “things couldn’t have gone much better for Aley in her first match in the green and gold.

Sarah Aley (right) being congratulated by Alyssa Healy.

“Aside from coming away with the win over Pakistan to remain undefeated in the World Cup, she spent some time at the crease alongside Alyssa Healy - making an impressive 15 off eight balls when she came in at 10 - then struck with her second ball of her first over,’’ Bollen reported from England.

“Aley bowled at length to Ayesha Zafar who sent it out to mid-on where she was caught by Elyse Villani. Just a few overs later it was Aley’s turn to take the catch, in perfect position at square leg to catch Marina Iqbal and have Pakistan 3-23 after 11 overs.’’

Aley joins a host of top female athletes - including Charlotte Caslick, Ruan Sims, Layne Beachley, driver Molly Taylor, Jessica Fox and Kezi Apps - in earning a Swoop Play of the Week