India top-order batswoman Jemimah Rodrigues has paid tribute to England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor who has announced immediate retirement from international cricket as she continues her battle with anxiety.
Taylor, second on England Women’s all-time list of run-scorers, withdrew from the one-off Ashes Test in a bid to improve her mental health.
“In 2006 my dream came true and I beam with pride at what I’ve achieved over the years, alongside the best players and people. It is the right time for me and my health to retire, but I have loved every minute in an England shirt. Thank you to everyone for supporting me,” Taylor tweeted on Friday.
In 2006 my dream came true and I beam with pride at what I've achieved over the years, alongside the best players and people. It is the right time for me and my health to retire, but I have loved every minute in an England shirt. Thank you to everyone for supporting me ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8MdTqpgmWe
— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) September 27, 2019
The 30-year-old, whose anxiety has affected her enjoyment of the game, scored 6,533 international runs in her 13-year England career, during which she made 226 appearances.
“Even after having major anxiety issues and dealing with its struggles, with pain no one can ever fully understand, you fought back did things beyond extraordinary on the cricket field. Thank You for inspiring the millions of us,” Rodrigues wrote in her farewell message for Sarah.
“You will be missed, my all-time favourite,” she added.
Even after having major anxiety issues and dealing with its struggles, with pain no one can ever fully understand, you fought back did things beyond extraordinary on the cricket field!! 🙌🏻
Thank You for inspiring the millions of us 🙏
You will be missed, my all time Favourite 💛 pic.twitter.com/OlyFDvh3vo— Jemimah Rodrigues (@JemiRodrigues) September 28, 2019
In a recent interview with The Cricket Monthly, Taylor had admitted she struggled to handle being on top, knowing that the only way from there was down.
Well, Taylor may continue to play domestic cricket, and for now, one can only hope to witness more of her brilliance on the field.
Record-breaker⚡ Innovator 💪 Pioneer 🤲#ThankYouSarah https://t.co/ickOWVl9GS pic.twitter.com/wAks1Ng0jf
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 27, 2019
