It’s official… the Achieve Australia International Women’s Blind Cricket Series kicks off later this month! For the first time ever, Australia’s national women’s blind cricket team will take the field on home soil, competing against the Pakistan team in what promises to be a thrilling and historic series.
Taking place in Brisbane, Queensland, the five-day series will run from April 20 to April 25 and marks a huge step forward for women’s blind cricket in Australia – a testament to the years of dedication and passion that have gone into growing the game.
We are immensely proud to share that two familiar faces will be representing Western Australia… A big congratulations to Assistive Technology Officer, Nicki Muir, and former client, Julie Henderson-Cavallo (pictured right).
Nicki and Julie will join the rest of the talented, passionate squad of women from across the country to represent Australia in this historic occasion.
In the lead up to the big event, we spoke with Nicki and Julie to hear all about their cricket journey’s, and how it feels to be part of this unforgettable moment in history.
How did you find your passion for cricket?
Nicki: Way back when I was a teenager, I was at a boarding school in Bunbury, and they introduced cricket to me at a camp. However, I couldn’t make any of the trainings after that, so I didn’t end up pursuing it. Fast forward to 2019, I saw the West Australian Blind Cricket Club, The Venetians, were hosting a local community cricket session to try recruit new members. My housemate and I jumped on a bus all the way down to Busselton to attend, and it was all on from there! I played right up until 2022, which was the year I started my new job. I wanted to settle nicely into this role, so I thought I’d take a step back from cricket and just focus on work. By the time mid-2024 came around, I decided I was ready for some self-care and to get back into sport again! Not long after, my friend Dianne (who is one of The Venetians), said to me “you’ve got to come to this cricket camp we’re hosting in July, you’re one of the few women who can play this sport!”. So, I agreed to come along, and the rest is history. I officially rejoined The Venetians in September 2024, went to the national camp not long after that, and now suddenly I’m in the women’s national team!
Julie: I’ve always had a love for sport, especially when I was younger. But back then, being a girl often meant we didn’t get the same opportunities to actually play, especially in sports like cricket, AFL, or soccer. As my eyesight started to decline – without me realising what was going on – it got harder to keep up. That was hard, because I still loved sport, but I just didn’t feel like I fit anymore. As a teenager, I had my heart set on becoming a PE teacher and even majored in sport for a year as part of my Bachelor of Education degree. But unfortunately that wasn’t the path for me. Although it wasn’t the direction I planned, it gave me a space where I felt comfortable and capable again. Fast forward many years later, in my role as Development Officer for Blind Sports WA, I felt it was important to give different sports a try – to understand them better and to show others that it’s okay to have a go. That’s when I tried cricket again, and to my surprise, something clicked. It brought back the joy I used to feel, but this time in a space where I felt like I could belong.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Nicki: Being selected for this national team. They’ve had to really develop women’s cricket over the years. There are only about 30 women players in the country as it stands, so just enough to make two teams. 15 of us have been handpicked to represent our country. Although some of the women have been playing for years and years, it’s been for their state only, in a mixed team. So really this is new and exciting for all of us!
Julie: I’m still fairly new to cricket – I started less than 18 months ago when I turned up to a Come & Try session with The Venetians. Since then, my cricket journey has gone from playing state cricket to now being selected for the Australian Blind Women’s Cricket Team. It still blows my mind! I’ll be making my debut in a history-making series against Pakistan, right here on home soil, and I’ll be officially presented with my baggy green – a highlight moment I know I’ll treasure forever. Being chosen to represent Australia is such a deep honour. I honestly never imagined I’d get this far, especially after thinking sport wasn’t for me. Wearing the green and gold is more than a dream come true — it’s proof that you’re never too old, too inexperienced, or too late to chase something big. I hope my journey encourages others to back themselves, even if it feels a little scary at first.
What do you enjoy most about cricket?
Nicki: I enjoy batting the most, that’s my favourite part. Bowling is a work in progress, I’m still learning how to bowl. Also, the fact that sport is a real mental health thing for me. You’re socialising while playing, you’re getting out there in the sun, I just love it.
Julie: Cricket’s such a good mix of everything – it’s physical, tactical, social, and a little unpredictable. I love the challenge of it. I also love that you don’t have to be the fastest or strongest to have a place on the team. There’s room to grow, and to play to your strengths. And honestly? That moment when you connect perfectly with the ball – it’s the best feeling. It’s makes me happy, it’s freeing, it’s fun and I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
What does being on this team mean to you?
Nicki: Well, I’ve been watching cricket on TV ever since I was a kid, so the fact that blind people suddenly get to play on a very national level is huge. We get our own baggy green cap and everything! It really means a lot to me that I’ve come full circle.
Julie: It means everything. For someone who once thought sport wasn’t an option – especially after losing confidence in my vision – being on this team is both empowering and healing. It feels like I’m giving myself, and that younger version of me, the chance I missed out on. It also feels like a way to show others – especially women and girls who never felt seen in sport, or anyone who’s been sidelined by disability or doubt – that it’s never too late to give something new a go.
What are you most excited about this upcoming series?
Nicki: To see if we can win it… that’s the goal! Whatever way it has to be done, if I have to be in the field the whole time, I don’t care, as long as we can with this thing! We’ll have to rely on our stronger players at some points to help keep us going, but I think we’ve got a real shot.
Julie: I’m so excited to be part of this group of amazing women who make up the team, to learn from them, and just soak up the whole experience. There’s something really special about sharing the field with others who’ve come through their own journeys to get here. I’m looking forward to growing as a player, representing Australia with pride, and making some incredible memories along the way. And yes – I’ll definitely be aiming to smack a few balls over the boundary while I’m at it!