Alana Maria King: Australia’s Rising Cricket Star with a Flavorful Twist

Alana King is a name that is rapidly becoming well-known in women's cricket, and it's not solely due to her accomplishments on the field. Born on November 22, 1995, in Clarinda, a suburb of Melbourne, this Australian all-rounder is making a significant impact both at home and abroad. While she is recognized for her right-arm leg spin and right-handed batting, it is her inspiring journey to success that truly stands out.

From Tennis Courts to Cricket Fields

Alana’s first love wasn’t cricket; it was tennis. She picked up a racquet at the age of five and quickly began competing in Tennis Victoria’s Pennant competitions. In fact, she had the incredible opportunity to be a ball kid at the 2011 Australian Open women’s singles final. However, life had different plans, and cricket ultimately became her true passion. 

As she grew up, Alana explored various sports like softball and baseball, inspired by her brother’s involvement in cricket. Her affection for the game deepened over time, and after playing with local clubs, she earned her first rookie contract with VicSpirit at just 16 in 2012. It was evident from the beginning that she had great potential.

Rising Through the Domestic Ranks

Alana began her domestic cricket journey with VicSpirit in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), but her significant opportunity arose during the 2015–2016 season when she joined the Melbourne Stars for the first Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). A few years later, in 2016, she earned a spot on the senior Victoria squad, showcasing her undeniable talent.  

One of her standout performances came in the 2021–2022 WBBL season, where she emerged as one of the top wicket-takers, claiming 16 wickets. Her remarkable form didn’t go unnoticed, as it opened doors for her on the international stage.

A Hat-Trick to Remember

One of the most exciting moments in Alana’s career occurred in August 2022 during a match at The Hundred in England. While playing for the Trent Rockets, she made history by becoming the first woman to take a hat-trick in the competition. But she didn’t stop there – just a few matches later, she reached another milestone by delivering 10 consecutive dot balls, a feat that had never been accomplished in The Hundred before. Talk about making an impact!

Making Her International Debut

Alana’s journey to the top extended beyond just domestic leagues. In 2019, Cricket Australia included her in the National Performance Squad, paving the way for her international debut. In January 2022, she was called up to the Australian squad for the Women’s Ashes series, stepping in for injured players like Georgia Wareham and Sophie Molineux. 

Within just two weeks, Alana made her debut in all three formats of international cricket – she played her first WT20I on January 20, followed by her Test match debut on January 27, and then her ODI debut on February 3, 2022. What an incredible start to her international career!

World Cup Glory and a Strong 2022

Alana had an unforgettable debut year. In March 2022, she played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphant run at the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. With 12 wickets across 9 matches, including a vital 3 for 64 in the final against England, Alana was instrumental in securing the title for Australia. Her consistent bowling and ability to thrive under pressure made her one of the team's most dependable players.

Later that year, she was also chosen for the 2022 Commonwealth Games cricket tournament in Birmingham, England. Alana’s ascent in the sport was clear, and by the end of the year, she had firmly established herself as a key member of the Australian women’s cricket team.

What’s Next?

Alana’s cricket journey is just beginning. In 2023, she was part of the Australian team that took part in the Women’s T20 World Cup, and she has also been selected for the squad for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 Women’s Ashes series.  

With her steady performances and knack for making history in every tournament she enters, Alana King is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the future of Australian cricket. Whether it’s setting records in The Hundred or playing a crucial role in World Cup triumphs, this Anglo-Indian talent from Melbourne is on her way to becoming one of the game’s legends. 

The sky’s the limit for Alana, and with each match she plays, she’s demonstrating that the future of cricket is in very capable hands.

Image credits : Instagram