St. Kitts
Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey has her sights set on a major comeback as she eyes a spot in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Currently touring the West Indies, Carey is making the most of her return to the national setup after a three-year hiatus. With the global tournament in England just months away, the seam-bowling specialist is determined to prove she still belongs at the very top.
Carey was a fixture in Australia’s dominant era, helping the team clinch the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 ODI World Cup. However, she famously turned down a national contract to seek more consistent game time elsewhere. Her gamble seems to have paid off; after strong domestic performances, she was recalled for the recent series against India and retained for the Caribbean tour.
The absence of star player Annabel Sutherland, who is currently resting, has opened a “massive” door for Carey. During the recent 3-0 T20I series sweep against the West Indies, Carey even took on the challenge of opening the bowling. “It’s been cool to experience different things within this team,” she noted, expressing her excitement about being back among familiar faces while chasing the “carrot” of a World Cup selection.
As Australia transitions into the ODI leg of the tour, Carey remains focused on consistency. With the squad for the June tournament expected soon, she knows every wicket and run counts. For a player who once stepped away to find her rhythm, a plane ticket to England would be the ultimate validation of her journey back to the yellow jersey.
