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On Thursday (November 9), Australian women’s team captain Meg Lanning surprised the cricketing world by announcing her retirement from all forms of international cricket. Having secured two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup titles and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles, Lanning, at the age of 31, leaves the sport with a remarkable record of over 8,000 runs across various formats for her country.
Expressing her sentiments, Lanning stated, “The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make, but I feel now is the right time for me. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to enjoy a 13-year international career, but I know now is the right time for me to move on to something new.”
Cricket fraternity pays tribute to retiring Meg Lanning
“Congratulations on such a storied career, Meg! Your list of achievements in women’s cricket and Australian cricket in particular is legendary. I’ve always admired your dedication and commitment to the game. It’s a sad day for international cricket. Wishing you all the best for,” tweeted former India captain Mithali Raj.
Congratulations on such a storied career, Meg! Your list of achievements in women’s cricket and Australian cricket in particular is legendary. I've always admired your dedication and commitment to the game. It's a sad day for international cricket. Wishing you all the best for… pic.twitter.com/wq7r7C0uLS
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 9, 2023
“There are a handful of batters in the game that made me stop what I was doing, just to watch them play. Meg Lanning was one. My fondness, appreciation and love for the women’s game grew exponentially because of her artful batting and leadership,” wrote legendary Ian Bishop.
There are a handful of batters in the game that made me stop what I was doing, just to watch them play. Meg Lanning was one. My fondness, appreciation and love for the women’s game grew exponentially because of her artful batting and leadership.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 9, 2023
“Meg, thank you for what you’ve done to women’s cricket. You’ve inspired so many young girls and boys. ‘I wanna play the cut shot like Meg Lanning.’ Enjoy the next chapter. The international circuit won’t be the same, but it will be a lot easier for people playing Australia now,” former England spinner Alexandra Hartley captioned her post.
Meg, thank you for what you’ve done to women’s cricket. You’ve inspired so many young girls and boys
‘I wanna play the cut shot like Meg Lanning’
Enjoy the next chapter
The international circuit won’t be the same, but it will be a lot easier for people playing Australia now 😉 https://t.co/N7IXVI44mE
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) November 9, 2023
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Here are some more reactions from fans and experts of the game:
She gave it all, she’s the epitome of success 💛
𝐌𝐞𝐠, you legend. Happy Retirement 🫶 pic.twitter.com/dV0aVxIDnE
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) November 9, 2023
#MegLanning did many things right in her playing days. As a captain, her decision making was almost flawless. As she exits, she leaves behind another benchmark tough to emulate; with everyone wondering, why so soon? Congrats skipper. Well played and happy retirement.
— WV Raman (@wvraman) November 9, 2023
Congrats on a great career Meg Lanning . Fantastic ambassador for the @CricketAus and the game .
👏👏👏— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 8, 2023
🏏 241 International Matches
🏆 7-time World Cup Winner
🏅 3 Belinda Clark medals
💯 17 centuries
Captained Australia 182 timesCongratulations on an amazing international career, we're lucky to have you at the Stars for at least another 2 seasons. pic.twitter.com/9zYpAivQDw
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) November 8, 2023
What a champion! What a Legend, Meg Lanning leaves behind an untouchable legacy in international cricket. Happy Retirement, Boss lady 👸 pic.twitter.com/ko4DJeouT1
— mon (@4sacinom) November 9, 2023
Imagine retiring at 31 and still having 7 World Cups to your name. Meg Lanning was the face of Australian cricket. End of an era.
— Manya (@CSKian716) November 9, 2023
Can’t overstate how significant Meg Lanning’s career is. Youngest ever Australian captain at age 21, ridiculously successful at World Cups and oversaw the most ruthless era of dominance in international cricket history.
And that’s before you even mention her batting.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) November 9, 2023
Thank you legend, Meg Lanning
You inspired many to take up the sportpic.twitter.com/eOzRehM6qD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 9, 2023
The name Meg Lanning will always be synonymous with dominance but in the classiest fashion possible. What a player. What a leader. What a career
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 9, 2023
Congratulations Meg Lanning on a wonderful international career. 👏
— Ian Ward (@WardyShorts) November 9, 2023
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.