Alex Hartley, retired cricketer and former England international. She is one of the remaining few women commentating on international men’s cricket in large-scale broadcasts. Hartley made headlines not only for her playing career but for her recent commentary during the third Ashes Test for the BBC, where she openly discussed her period. While this brutally honest comment received a firestorm of backlash from certain sources, it received a huge swell of appreciation from fans.
Hartley was a commentator for one of the most important games in the Ashes series. It was a pleasure to be part of her process, and to work alongside incisive commentator Kate Cross. In reference to the current World Cup, she talked about having her period during the semifinal match. This led to a tremendous backlash on social media, with some commentators claiming that these issues should be entirely divorced from discussions in professional sports. Hartley defended the backlash by heralding the need for open discussion about women’s health concerns.
Navigating Criticism and Support
The tornado of outrage sparked when Hartley replied that she was feeling “super grouchy.” During the post-game commentary she excused her low spirits as the coming of her period. This set off a firestorm of backlash on social media. Despite the backlash, she received approximately 4,000 direct messages expressing gratitude for her willingness to discuss a topic that many still consider taboo.
In a bold response to her critics, Hartley stated, “Females shouldn’t be scared to talk about their periods.” Her comments struck a note with so many of us who feel that conversations about women’s health need not be taboo topics of conversation. Hartley told Politico that she was shocked by the intensity of the vitriol directed toward her. She noted that telling her story is a crucial component to candidly engaging with women’s health—a taboo topic.
“Your period apparently is a behaviour.” – Alex Hartley
Hartley did not stand alone in this turf battle. Fellow commentator Kate Cross, Hartley’s commentary partner as well as an active cricketer, stood up for Hartley’s comments. She described the backlash as “all too symptomatic of women constantly trying to invade men’s safe spaces.” Cross took to task the critics of her criticism, forcefully declaring that it is long overdue for America to accept moving forward.
A Light-Hearted Response
Even with the roasting, Hartley took a playful approach to transfer her shade. She told us she was feeling especially hopeful today. Yesterday, she had been “very grumpy” as a result of her menstruation. This frankness really showed her personal side, letting readers relate to her presence beyond her commentary humanizing her further.
Hartley’s comment about it being “2026 next week” served as a sarcastic reminder that conversations about women’s health should not be stigmatized in modern society. In her initial response to critics, she told them to “grow the f*** up.” She spoke to the wider fight for female fighters to be seen and heard in spaces historically ruled by men, including cricket.
“It’s 2026 next week, so grow the f*** up.” – Kate Cross
The exchange between Hartley and Cross exemplified the camaraderie and support that exists between women cricketers, on and off the field. Their black girl magic together on the field signifies the overarching plight of women in sports, entertainment, and the media.
Retirement from Cricket
Hartley’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who contributed significantly to women’s cricket. Her time in the sport has been incredible, shattering ceilings and making way for future generations. As she steps away from playing, Hartley’s transition into commentary and advocacy highlights her commitment to addressing important issues in women’s sports.
All in all, with her retirement, she leaves behind a powerful legacy as a player. She has become a powerful voice for women’s rights and health concerns in athletics as well. Her statements over the recent Ashes Test ignited a colourful debate. This is a powerful reminder that we need everyone – every day – to continue to push for greater inclusivity, greater openness, about women’s experiences in every sector of life.
