'A fighter, leader, record-breaker'

Team-mate Ellyse Perry was among the first people to react to Alex Blackwell's retirement on Twitter.

To echo many voices, congratulations @AlexBlackwell2 on an illustrious career. I will always be incredibly grateful for the way in which you and Kate Blackwell took me in as a young player. Something I witnessed you do for many, many others too! #thanksalex https://t.co/6eTRJdfsrk

— Ellyse Perry (@EllysePerry) February 19, 2018

Former England captain Charlotte Edwards congratulated her on a long career as well.

Congratulations @AlexBlackwell2 on an outstanding career, so so much to be proud of. You're a true great of the game and always the ultimate professional. All the best for whatever is next :)

— Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) February 19, 2018

Current Australia captain and NSW team-mate Rachael Haynes underlined Alex "Seal" Blackwell's commitment to hard work.

I'm going to miss you Seal. The ultimate professional and that shone through with how she led. She left no stone unturned in her preparation and that of her team. Looking forward to sharing the field with you one last time as a @NSWBreakers #ThanksAlex https://t.co/j13OFQzpP0

— Rachael Haynes (@RachaelHaynes) February 19, 2018

Reactions on Blackwell's retirement came from all over the world. The former Pakistan captain weighed in...

All the very best for your future @AlexBlackwell2. You have been a brilliant leader for Australia as well as for other cricketers. Thank you for always being so helpful and forthcoming to young cricketers from all over the world who wanted guidance in cricket. https://t.co/IPw57xDeYO

— Sana Mir (@mir_sana05) February 19, 2018

...And so did the Pakistan batsman Javeria Khan

A player so well- @AlexBlackwell2 !

Your service to the women cricket extends far beyond words. I am proud to have played and interacted with such a commendable, skilled, generous and approachable player like You. Farewell, my friend. You rule many hearts. Keep in touch. pic.twitter.com/y9D9PYEINm

— Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) February 19, 2018

India's Jhulan Goswami, too, was all praise for Blackwell.

Congratulations on a fantastic career @AlexBlackwell2. Fantastic cricketer for @SouthernStars, great human being. All the best for your future. Stay healthy, stay happy. #Alexblackwell

— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) February 19, 2018

Australia team-mate Jess Jonassen underlined how Blackwell has inspired many through her career.

It saddens me to hear the news of @AlexBlackwell2 retiring from the game. She is, and will continue to be a fantastic role model for a large number of people for her efforts both on and off the field.

All the best Alex, you are a true Aussie legend #ThanksAlex pic.twitter.com/KaXTlG9oVe

— Jessica Jonassen (@JJonassen21) February 19, 2018

As did Erin Osborne...

Congratulations Seal on an outstanding career. Am fortunate to have played for many years under your leadership @AlexBlackwell2 #ThanksAlex https://t.co/Iu47qbP8xE

— Erin Osborne (@eosborne67) February 19, 2018

Rene Farrell, too, followed suit

Congratulations @AlexBlackwell2 on an outstanding career. Absolutely gutted..but feel so privileged to have played alongside you. Fantastic captain, cricketer and an even better human...you will forever be a legend of the game.

— Rene Farrell (@Fezzy88Rene) February 19, 2018

England captain Heather Knight wished well for a 'fierce competitor' of hers.

Congrats @AlexBlackwell2 on a top career. Fierce competitor and the most annoying person to try and hit the ball past at extra cover #seal Happy retirement!

— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) February 19, 2018

One of Blackwell's Trans-Tasman rivals wasn't too far behind.

Congratulations @AlexBlackwell2 on an outstanding international career. It was a privilege to play alongside you and against you for so many years #ThanksAlex

— Suzie Bates (@SuzieWBates) February 19, 2018

Former England batsman Lydia Greenway lauded Blackwell's off-field contribution as well.

What a career @AlexBlackwell2! A brilliant player, and always a fantastic competitor. You have done everyone who knows you extremely proud, on and off the pitch. Now for more off pitch fun! #favepic pic.twitter.com/7LttctKhTJ

— Lydia Greenway (@lydiagreenway) February 19, 2018

A young team-mate of Blackwell had a message for her fishing buddy.

Congratulations to @AlexBlackwell2 on your career! It's been a privilege to play alongside you in the green & gold! The amount of achievements and milestones you have made throughout your career has been incredible & amazing to watch!

Going to miss my fishing buddy https://t.co/to7IeDTzMx

— Amanda wellington (@amandajadew) February 19, 2018

The Australia men's captain joined in soon.

Congrats to @AlexBlackwell2 on a stellar cricketing career with Australia and NSW. I hope you enjoy retirement!

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) February 19, 2018

A word on Blackwell's love of cricket, by Mel Jones

One amazing playing career! Great team mate, super passionate about game, record breaker, fighter, leader... congrats on a brilliant career for the @SouthernStars & @NSWBreakers @AlexBlackwell2 #ThanksAlex https://t.co/T05jeA8MjK

— Mel 'MJ' Jones (@meljones_33) February 19, 2018

Blackwell, however, will continue to play franchise cricket: as captain of Sydney Thunder in the Women's Big Bash League.