England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket.
Taylor made her England debut in 2006 and went on to make 226 appearances for her country.
Across that period she scored 6,533 international runs, making her England Women’s second all-time leading runscorer. Taylor will also be remembered for her superb glovework; nobody in the history of women’s cricket has effected more dismissals than the 30-year-old.
JUST IN: Triple world champion Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a stellar career 👏 pic.twitter.com/3jONmZCndC
— ICC (@ICC) September 27, 2019
Taylor’s anxiety has affected her ability to enjoy the game in recent years, and it is for that reason that she has decided to step away from the international arena.
She said: “This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one, for me and for my health moving forward. I can’t thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.
“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career. From making my debut in 2006 to Ashes wins, and of course, the World Cup final at Lord’s, to name just a few.
“I’ve also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way. To be right in the thick of women’s cricket as it’s gone from strength to strength – not only in England, but across the world – has been an amazing experience, and I can look back on what women’s cricket has achieved with great pride at playing some small part in it.
“The England girls are role models on and off the field, and they have undoubtedly inspired – and will continue to inspire – so many young people to take up the game, girls and boys. I can’t wait to see the heights that this team can reach.
“I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high and with excitement for what my future holds and what my next chapter brings.”
