Kate Blackwell announces her retirement

Australia's Kate Blackwell, has announced her retirement from cricket, bringing to an end a highly successful career.

A member of the World Cup winning squad in 2005, she played four Tests, 41 ODIs and six T20 Internationals for the Southern Stars and was a valuable member of the NSW Breakers side. Along with her twin sister Alex, they became the first set of identical twins to represent Australia in cricket.

She and her twin sister, Alex, are also the first set of identical twins to represent Australia in cricket.

"I've made so many wonderful, lifelong friends and have been part of building our remarkable culture of success, enjoyment, high standards and support of one another," said Kate Blackwell to the Cricket Australia website.

"There are so many people I need to thank. Kerry Marshall in particular has been a great mentor and friend of mine from the time I first represented NSW in the U/17s right through to today. Belinda Clark, Lisa Keightley and Julie Hayes were the players I looked up to and I was very lucky to have played alongside them. My sister, Alex, has been my biggest supporter, my closest training buddy, and my friend.

"I have been very fortunate to have been involved with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia. What they have done for women's cricket is something that we do not take for granted."

Australia -captain, Alex Blackwell, praised her sister's dedication to the sport.

"Kate helped build the culture of excellence and enjoyment within the Breakers squad. She is one of the most passionate and hard working cricketers you will ever meet and I know she will take these qualities into her future pursuits," she said.

"It is sad for me to hear her say farewell after 20 years in cricket together. I am proud to have competed alongside her and I owe so much to her. I would not be the cricketer I am today without Kate," she added.