Veteran England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor announced her retirement from international cricket with immediate effect on Friday.
The England Cricket Board (ECB), in a press release, cited that Taylor’s anxiety had affected her ability to enjoy the game in recent years, and was one of the driving forces behind the decision.
“This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one, for me and for my health moving forward,” Taylor said. “I can’t thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.”
The 30-year-old Taylor made her England debut in 2006 and scored 6,553 international runs, which is second on England Women’s all-time list of run-scorers. But more importantly, Taylor was a magnetic keeper behind the stumps, creating waves with her lightning-fast hands that led her to 232 dismissals, the most in women’s cricket.
Sarah has publicly spoken of her battles with anxiety and took an extended break from the game in 2016.
More recently she missed the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean Islands and a portion of this summer’s Ashes.
Here’s how the Twitter world reacted to Sarah Taylor’s sudden retirement:
Sarah Taylor has retired from international cricket, citing that anxiety has affected her ability to enjoy the game. Huge talent. Sad to hear. But key quote for me is, “This has been a tough decision, but I know it's the right one, for me and for my health”. #ThankYouSarah https://t.co/9A8yAKIHz4
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) September 27, 2019
Congratulations and all the very best Sarah. You have always been a champion player! May you continue to achieve the best in life. Best wishes @Sarah_Taylor30 @englandcricket https://t.co/v5haJ9RphY
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) September 27, 2019
A pleasure to watch @Sarah_Taylor30 excel at her trade with bat and gloves over the last 13 years. All the best in retirement and congrats on a record breaking career. https://t.co/yBxneE7iuM
— Mel Jones (@meljones_33) September 27, 2019
Congratulations @Sarah_Taylor30 on an amazing career! You can thank me later for all the times I’ve made you look amazing by shoving it down the leg side 😉! Good luck for everything that is to come #ThankYouSarah
— Anya Shrubsole (@Anya_shrubsole) September 27, 2019
Congratulations on your retirement @Sarah_Taylor30 👏🏼 You have a lot to be proud of. Best wicket keeper in the world, fact! 🐐 #ThankyouSarah 🤗 https://t.co/nfdOIWkDfL
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) September 27, 2019
Happy retirement @Sarah_Taylor30, what a career to be proud of! We’ve shared some amazing memories on and off the field and some of the things you could do on a cricket field always left me astounded! All the best for what’s next #thankyousarah https://t.co/MI6BfQRG1C
— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) September 27, 2019
Such a champ, on and off the field. Cricket will miss her. But hopefully she can stay involved in the sport in some capacity. Go well @Sarah_Taylor30 https://t.co/ZyYvkHiui8
— Aarti Dabas (@AartiSDabas) September 27, 2019
Saara zamana 'Sarah' ka deewana! 😍
Here's wishing one of England Women Cricket's best, a very happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/xt6EXb46sU
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 27, 2019
It’s been a joy to watch her play. Will never, ever forget that catch to dismiss Jodie Fields at Hove. Sad to see her retire but health is the most important thing. I wish her all the best for the future. https://t.co/10WDgTrLto
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) September 27, 2019
I didn't see this coming, anyways many congratulations @Sarah_Taylor30 have a wonderful 2nd innings, England cricket will definitely miss your services! https://t.co/ZiFcIN1mdA
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) September 27, 2019
One of the best wicketkeepers the game has seen
A highly talented batter and entertainer
Sad to see her retire
But wishing her all the best on her next journey https://t.co/kXeQWlhTDJ— Natalie Germanos 🏏 (@NatalieGermanos) September 27, 2019
Oh no..
England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket.
I'd argue she is right up there as one of the best keepers in the world [no caveat needed re men or women].
A real loss. Phenomenal player. https://t.co/gNfpSbBplz
— Jack Mendel ✍️ (@Mendelpol) September 27, 2019
Sarah Taylor steps away from the international arena after a 13-year career #ThankYouSarah pic.twitter.com/KPiwLTa98B
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 27, 2019
Record-breaker⚡ Innovator 💪 Pioneer 🤲#ThankYouSarah https://t.co/ickOWVl9GS pic.twitter.com/wAks1Ng0jf
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 27, 2019
She has been a real star of the women’s game. A super player and a real icon. Wish @Sarah_Taylor30 all the very best for the future. Stellar career.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) September 27, 2019
GOAT.
No doubt about that.#SarahTaylorhttps://t.co/mMvvbk5FEQ— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) September 27, 2019
