Scotland international Rachel Hawkins announces retirement

28-year-old Hawkins was part of Scotland side for six years since her debut in 2012. In 2018, when Scotland was awarded the T20I status, she made her T20I debut against Uganda and won the player of the match for her spell of 3 for 3 during the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier in Netherlands.

Hawkins, formerly Scholes, went on to play 16 T20Is for Scotland and took 16 wickets at an average of 14.62 and an economy rate of 4.12. Her career best bowling figures of 4 for 10 came against Thailand in 2018. She played her last international match during the 2019 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier against Netherlands in which she finished with figures of 2 for 16.

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“I have loved being a part of the Scotland team’s journey over the last few years, it has been amazing,” she said. “When I first came to Scotland I didn’t know much about the national team, but as I started to get into the squad everyone made me feel so welcome and on and off the pitch, I have many fond memories.”

“I have also made friends for life and I know that with the great batch of young talent that is coming through now led by the excellent Kathryn and Sarah Bryce that the future is bright for women’s cricket in this country.”

“For myself it is the end of one journey, but the start of another with my family and I won’t be far away from a boundary edge cheering on the girls in the future that is for sure.”

Hawkins last played for Scotland during the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers at home. © ICC

Lancashire born Hawkins started playing cricket at the age of eight and then represented local club Mansfield Hosiery Mills. She started visiting her dad, who was working in Scotland at the time, and played cricket with fellow Scotland international Lorna Jack and others at Stirling County Club. She also played for Nottinghamshire before qualifying to play for Scotland.

“The last few years since then have been filled with highs and lows, but the one thing the Scotland team always does is give it everything we have got and I am proud to have played my part,” she added.

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“A huge congratulations to Scholesy on the news of her retirement from the game,” said Steven Knox, head coach of Scotland. “Rach has been a core member of the Wildcats since I started coaching the team in 2016. She always relished the challenge of international cricket and this was summed up by her willingness to take the new ball in T20 cricket. Her performances with the ball since we were awarded T20I status in 2018 have been top class.”

“On behalf of all the players and support staff involved with the Wildcats, we’d like to wish Rachel and Simon well in what will undoubtedly be their biggest challenge yet. I sincerely hope that Rachel isn’t lost to women’s cricket in Scotland and that at some stage she can play a part in the continued growth of the sport.”

Cricket Scotland thanked Hawkins for her commitment to Scotland cricket in a statement and wished her well for the future.