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Fair Game
Alex Blackwell lived and breathed our national sport of cricket for thirty years.
Starting as a kid, she spent her childhood and teen years on the field with her identical twin, Kate, who was equally devoted to the bat and ball. While both sisters went on to represent Australia, Alex built a 15-year career in the green and gold, eventually rising to the captaincy, notching up an eye-watering list of sporting achievements and etching her name into cricket's history.
But life off the field brought challenges of its own. From her professional debut, Alex was unafraid to call out hypocrisy and go in to battle against the traditional hierarchies of the game. Speaking out and becoming a passionate advocate for women and LGBTQI people in sport won her many fans and much respect, but it didn't come without a price.
Fair Game is the unmissable account of life and leadership inside Australia's most loved sporting team, told by one of its most capped players of all time. This is the story of the sacrifices and victories, the extreme highs and devastating lows, that come with playing sport at the highest level, and of what it takes to be truly courageous on and off the field.
Starting as a kid, she spent her childhood and teen years on the field with her identical twin, Kate, who was equally devoted to the bat and ball. While both sisters went on to represent Australia, Alex built a 15-year career in the green and gold, eventually rising to the captaincy, notching up an eye-watering list of sporting achievements and etching her name into cricket's history.
But life off the field brought challenges of its own. From her professional debut, Alex was unafraid to call out hypocrisy and go in to battle against the traditional hierarchies of the game. Speaking out and becoming a passionate advocate for women and LGBTQI people in sport won her many fans and much respect, but it didn't come without a price.
Fair Game is the unmissable account of life and leadership inside Australia's most loved sporting team, told by one of its most capped players of all time. This is the story of the sacrifices and victories, the extreme highs and devastating lows, that come with playing sport at the highest level, and of what it takes to be truly courageous on and off the field.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 27, 2022
I’ve finished this 57.2 overs into the Ashes Test at Manuka (Australia are 3/189). That I finished it so quickly is testament to how absorbing this book is. What a career, and well told. Cricket is a better place for having had you in it, Alex, as is society more broadly. A beautiful balance of hard reflection and warm humour.
January 25, 2022
A brilliant read with Alex being open about the challenges of being a gay player in a sport which has not embraced non hetero players in the past but also expressing hope for the future.
The last chapter especially, where Alex talks about what she hopes to see in 20 years time, left me misty eyed while reading it. I can only hope it comes to fruition.
This is best cricket autobiography I've read and in the top 3 autobiographies I've read ever. Could not recommend more.
The last chapter especially, where Alex talks about what she hopes to see in 20 years time, left me misty eyed while reading it. I can only hope it comes to fruition.
This is best cricket autobiography I've read and in the top 3 autobiographies I've read ever. Could not recommend more.
February 2, 2022
Much more than a one-dimensional story of a cricket career. It's a story of courage, and so many great leadership lessons contained within.
Intelligent, thought-provoking and demonstrates Alex Blackwell as a person of great character.
Loved it !
Intelligent, thought-provoking and demonstrates Alex Blackwell as a person of great character.
Loved it !
March 19, 2022
I have been a big fan of women’s cricket over the last few years, so I only witnessed the tail end of Alex Blackwell’s career. It has been fascinating to read about the battles to fully professionalise the Australian women’s cricket team from an insider perspective. I admire Alex’s advocacy and her willingness to fit in when things didn’t sit well with her.
March 5, 2022
A fantastic read and a fascinating insight in to the machinations of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team. It’s been great to see the improvements in the women’s game but I hope this book motivates CA to recognise our retired players and the incredible impact they’ve had on the game.
April 11, 2022
I am definitely not the target market for this book, but it had some really interesting sections, and I did enjoy it on the whole. I would probably not have finished it if not for my book club, but I'm glad I did. If you are interested in cricket, you will enjoy it.
May 19, 2022
This was a very interesting incite into Alex Blackwell's cricket career. She certainly faced a number of hurdles along the way, but always remained true to herself. She was always willing to speak up, particularly in supporting those of deverse backgrounds.
March 5, 2022
A very thoughtful and insightful story. Alex comes across as a very intelligent and courageous person and player. Her vision for the future of the game was so inspiring.
March 21, 2022
Oh Alex!
What a fantastic read.
I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I remembered when some things happened.
An amazing read and very moving and frustrating at times.
What a fantastic read.
I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I remembered when some things happened.
An amazing read and very moving and frustrating at times.
June 8, 2022
Had high hopes of this being an interesting personal memoir by one of Australia's most accomplished cricketers, but found the whole thing bit of a slog
June 16, 2022
An extremely honest and important read. What an inspiration!
August 15, 2023
Gutsy writing by Alex and of course, infuriating to read at times. Bloody patriarchy!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews