Sarah Aley: The Journey, the Growth and the Game Beyond the Boundary

For former Australian cricketer Sarah Aley, the support of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has played an integral role in both her professional playing days and her transition into life beyond the boundary rope. “It’s kind of hard to put into words how much they’ve supported me through my journey,” Aley reflects.

From work experience placements in advertising and communications to grants for coaching and first aid courses, the ACA has consistently been there, helping her explore interests outside cricket. “I came down to the offices in Melbourne for a week and sat with the comms team, writing articles and those sorts of things,” she says. These opportunities helped her rediscover passions after completing a university degree she no longer felt drawn to.

Her involvement extended to becoming an ACA delegate, giving back to the game and supporting other players, while also making use of programs like health checks to stay on top of her wellbeing. “I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities the ACA has offered, both during my playing days and in life after cricket.”

Aley’s cricket journey began in the 1990s, playing junior cricket in a boys' competition because, as she points out, she was the only girl involved. But that early experience didn’t deter her. “I like to think of it as junior cricket because it should be a place for boys and girls,” she says.

It wasn’t until a school competition representing the combined Catholic colleges of New South Wales that she really discovered other girls who played the sport. From that tournament, she was spotted by a state selector, which eventually led to her selection in the NSW Under-19s and, soon after, the senior Breakers squad. It all happened quickly. Despite not breaking into the NSW starting XI straight away, Aley eventually carved out a long and successful domestic career, including for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL.

Her international debut came later than most. “I probably got to a point in my career where I thought I’m probably not going to play for Australia,” she says. “But if I’m enjoying it, playing for NSW and the Sixers, then that’s what matters.” Aley had opportunities early in her career with the Australian setup but admits she wasn’t fully prepared physically, mentally, or emotionally. “I probably took it for granted,” she says.

Ironically, once she let go of the pressure to reach the national team, she played her best cricket. At age 33, she finally got her opportunity, earning a call-up following strong WBBL performances. “There weren’t many opportunities, but I definitely enjoyed the ones I got.”

Among those moments was her ODI debut at a World Cup and a couple of T20 appearances in an Ashes series on home soil. “It was pretty cool,” she recalls, especially sharing the field with good mates like Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.

A hamstring injury nearly derailed her World Cup debut, but a successful last-minute fitness test got her over the line. “I was in tears on the physio bed after training, but Kate Mahony, the physio, was amazing. She said, ‘We can get you through this.’” Aley delivered and relished the moment, particularly the freedom to play without the pressure of needing to prove herself.

Over the course of her 16-year career, Aley witnessed significant changes in the women’s game. “Most of us had to work to sustain a living. We couldn’t just play cricket,” she says. That landscape has shifted dramatically. Today’s domestic players can often make a living solely from cricket, but Aley still sees value in having outside interests. “That’s probably what kept me in the game so long,” she explains, emphasising the mental relief and stability that a life outside cricket can offer.

She also notes the impact of heightened competition in Premier Cricket, where players now work harder to break into elite squads because many senior players are extending their careers. “You’ve got to go away and work hard, put your hand up in other ways,” she says. The athleticism in the women’s game has also taken major strides forward. “Fielding, batting, bowling, everything’s lifted a few notches in terms of pace and power.”

Reflecting on the current strength of domestic competitions like the WNCL and WBBL, Aley believes they are essential to Australia’s ongoing dominance in world cricket. Strong domestic players are the ones who build team consistency across a season. “They contribute the most to success, and the Aussie and international players polish it,” she says. “It’s critical to have a strong domestic system. That’s how Australian cricket stays on top.”

Aley’s own consistency was recognised when she was named in the WBBL Team of the Decade. “I didn’t expect it,” she admits. “I only played six seasons, so it was some nice recognition of consistency and finding my niche in a team.”

As she looks back on her time in cricket, from the days of junior boys’ competitions to the biggest stages in the sport, and now into a fulfilling post-playing career, one thing is clear. Sarah Aley’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, passion, and the value of support, both on and off the field.