Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
Rachael Haynes, one of NSW’s greatest ever cricketers, has announced her retirement from international and domestic one day cricket.
Haynes, the Australian vice-captain, will continue to play in the world’s premier T20 tournament for one final season and will captain Sydney Thunder in this summer’s upcoming Weber WBBL|08.
The 35-year-old left hander made her international debut in 2009 and played 167 matches for Australia across all three formats, scoring nearly 4,000 runs and finishing with 13 wickets.
In 2018 Haynes was named Australian vice-captain, playing pivotal roles in Australia’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victories in 2018 and 2020, Women’s World Cup win in 2022 and historic Commonwealth Games gold medal run in July.
Internationally, her record speaks for itself. Domestically, Haynes is also one of the best of all time.
In 11 seasons with the NSW Breakers, Haynes played 68 matches, four as captain, amassing 2977 runs at an incredible average of 49.61. She sits fourth on the all-time run scoring list for NSW behind Alex Blackwell (4788), Lisa Sthalekar (3414) and Lisa Keightly (3081).
Adding to her domestic cricket legend, Haynes also played 48 matches for Victoria across six seasons, scoring 1551 runs at 34.46, bringing her overall WNCL record to 116 matches, 4528 runs at 43.12 with 9 centuries plus 27 half-centuries.
In typically humble fashion, Haynes took the opportunity to thank those that had helped her reach such lofty heights, rather than reflect on her achievements.
“Playing at this level isn’t possible without the support of many people,” Haynes said.
“From clubs, states, coaches, family and friends, I’m so grateful to those who helped me along the way. In particular, I want to thank my parents Ian and Jenni, and partner Leah for their unwavering support.
“To all the teammates across my career, you are the reason I’ve played as long as I have. You’ve inspired me to be better every day. I’ve learnt something from all of you, on and off the field. You’ve challenged me as a player, helped me grow as a person and most importantly, made cricket fun.”
NSW Breakers captain Alyssa Healy, a long-time teammate of Haynes at both domestic and international level, said she was honoured to have been able to share many great moments with Haynes.
“I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend most of my career playing with Rach,” Healy said.
“In the early years I played against her when she was at Victoria, and we have been rivals in the WBBL, but it’s pretty obvious that it’s better being on her team than trying to get her out.
“To have the privilege of being at the other end watching some of her greatest innings, and it those times, as well as the times off the field travelling around Australia and the world, that I will always cherish.”
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon joined Healy in praising Haynes for the legacy she has created.
“The contribution that Rachael has made to cricket in NSW and Australia can never be underestimated,” Germon said.
“At a time when women’s cricket was in the most transformative state in the game’s history, Rach was at the forefront.
“As a player and a leader, her record and standing is undisputable and there is no doubt she will have inspired many, many young people to play and love cricket.
“Off the field of play, Rach has played a significant role to bring positive social impact, both inside and outside the cricket community.
“I look forward to watching her wind down her career with the Sydney Thunder in WBBL|08.”
The NSW Breakers play the first match of their season next Friday (September 23), when they take on Queensland in a day/night fixture at North Sydney Oval from 2pm.
Rachael Haynes NSW Breakers record (2011/12 – 2021/22)
– 68 matches, 66 innings, 6 not outs, 2977 runs at 49.61
– Highest score 156 vs. Victoria 2011/12
– Six centuries plus 20 half-centuries
– 27 catches
– 14 wickets at 16.50, best 3/20
– Captain four times (205 runs at 51.50; three wins – one loss)
Name of Author: Cricket NSW
Cricket NSW, officially the New South Wales Cricket Association, is the governing body for cricket in New South Wales, Australia. Based at Sydney Olympic Park, it oversees the New South Wales Blues, New South Wales Breakers, Sydney Thunder, and Sydney Sixers.
