What's in my carry-on? Shabnim Ismail reveals all!

Shabnim lists the items that she always packs into her carry-on bag

After representing South Africa in 241 international ODI, T20I and test matches, Shabnim Ismail announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket earlier this year. The 34-year-old fast bowler bows out on a good wicket. Her last match was the Women's T20 World Cup final against eventual champions, Australia. This was the first time one of our national cricket sides had reached a World Cup final, and Shabnim was largely credited as the key reason why.

As a child in Cravenby, Cape Town, Shabnim played cricket using crates as makeshift wickets and a taped-up tennis ball. These street games led to overseas stadiums and allowed Shabnim the opportunity "to experience a different world to what I was used to back home". "All that travel taught me what to pack and what not to," she adds. "I'm very strict on routine and won't change anything unless I really need to. If I'm going somewhere hot, I'll pack less. If I'm going somewhere cold, I'll add a jacket. I'm really simple like that." Shabnim lists the following eight items that she always packs into her carry-on bag...

Hair straightener
My hair always has to be straight and neat. Something I've never told anyone is that when my straightener broke a few years ago, while playing in England, I woke up the morning before the game and ran to the shopping mall to buy a new one. I had to make sure that my hair was straightened before the game.

iPad and Airpods
The only travel ritual I have is to always make sure that I have something downloaded on my iPad and that my Apple AirPods are packed. This tech makes my travel time pass far more quickly. I'm a huge Love Island fan and being in the air for so long is a good way to keep up to date with it. I also love fast cars so Fast and Furious is always a good way to get myself pumped before a match.

Prayer book
I always travel with Yaseen, which is the heart of the Quran. It helps to guide me in the right direction, and I use it to pray for my parents, siblings, friends and family. It's helped me to achieve all my successes in life, which I'm truly grateful for. I'm really blessed.

A spare set of earrings
It's quite normal for me that, whenever I travel, I must have certain things. I make a list with everything that I then tick off. My spiral earrings are always on there. I wear the same style in every game, so it's important that I have a backup pair.

Family photographs
I always keep a photograph of my granddad and my mom with me. Ever since I started playing cricket, my mom and late grandad never missed a single match of mine. They both motivated and pushed me to do the best I can. And that's in life and cricket. My mom has always been my number-one fan. Since day one she's been my rock, role model and main source of motivation. I'm proud to say that I've inherited all my good traits from her. By carrying these photos with me, I'm able to look at them and get that extra boost of strength I need.

Lip balm
I use Labello Hydro Care SPF 15, the light blue one, and usually take about five or six tubes with me on a single tour. I consider my image very important both on and off the field. I even keep a tube in my pocket while I'm playing. Just ask any umpire. When I'm bowling, they're always having to hold it for me.

Sneakers
Nike has been my number-one brand ever since I can remember. On a tour I'll travel with at least six pairs of Nike sneakers and one of those pairs always ends up in my carry-on. They're a must-have.

Extra space
During my downtime, I like to relax by shopping. It clears my mind, and I love exploring and keeping busy when I'm overseas. So, it's important to make extra space in my bag for whatever I decide to bring home with me.