England pacer Anya Shrubsole, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner, has brought down the curtains on her glorious 14-year international career.
On Thursday, she ended her career with 106 wickets in 86 ODIs, 102 in 79 T20Is and 19 scalps from eight Tests including a career-best, match-winning 7/99 in the 2014 Ashes Test at Perth. The 30-year-old is the only England player to bag 100 wickets in both Women’s ODIs and T20Is.
“I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years. To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away,” Shrubsole said in her official statement.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I’d have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s in 2017,” she added.
As Shrubsole bid adieu to international cricket, tributes poured in from all corners of the world, celebrating her
career.
No more Brunt and Shrubsole, one half of that iconic new ball combo retires.
All the best for the next phase @Anya_shrubsole!
Looking ahead, I think we will see a very different new ball combination for England this summer.
— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) April 14, 2022
What a fantastic international career @Anya_shrubsole !! Well done in helping inspire the next generation .. Lords 2017 Final will take some beating .. 🙌👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 14, 2022
One of the greatest of all time, thank you for everything you did for me and the game! Good luck on your new adventure ♥️ @Anya_shrubsole pic.twitter.com/To7uY94PnC
— Sophie Ecclestone (@Sophecc19) April 14, 2022
Congratulations on a brilliant international career @Anya_shrubsole.
Who could forget this special World Cup winning performance at Lord's 🙌pic.twitter.com/Br7H3YjX77
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) April 14, 2022
What a wonderful International career @Anya_shrubsole. Debut in Shenley 2008 to the highs of Lords in 2017. Thank you #hoooooooooof 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/rj98nNAeHu
— Charlotte Edwards (@C_Edwards23) April 14, 2022
Congrats on a remarkable career Hoof. It’s been a pleasure sharing a field with you! I’ll miss your boomerangs, your bunts through the covers and your wise words. Good luck with the next chapter! #ThankYouAnya pic.twitter.com/aX7UI3r9MB
— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) April 14, 2022
Stunning in-swinger.
Big-game Match winner.
Generous team mate.
Beautiful person.
Amazing career!Well played Annie 👏 It’s been an absolute pleasure. @Anya_shrubsole #ThankYouAnya https://t.co/XfqtXxtdqC
— Tim Macdonald (@timmacs) April 14, 2022
