Australia women’s captain Meg Lanning has retired from international cricket, bringing an end to one of the all-time great careers.
The 31-year-old will continue playing in the WBBL and the Women’s National Cricket League, and possibly the Women’s Premier League in India, but has decided against playing for Australia again.
“The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make, but I feel now is the right time for me,” Lanning said.
“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.
“Team success is why you play the game, I’m proud of what I have been able to achieve and will cherish the moments shared with teammates along the way.”
Lanning, a seven-time World Cup winner and three-time Belinda Clark medallist amassed 8,352 runs from 241 international matches.
She led Australia in 182 matches, more than any other women’s player, and captained the team to five World Cup crowns.
In what turned out to be her final international match, Lanning led Australia to the 2023 T20 World Cup title against South Africa in February.
After missing the Ashes in England earlier this year over health concerns, Lanning is back playing for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.
Lanning initially took a break from cricket last year following Australia’s gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, returning for the home series against Pakistan in January.
The star batter’s crowning achievement came in the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia as the hosts lifted the trophy in front of 86,174 fans at the MCG just days before the COVID-19 pandemic ensured fans could not attend live sport for an extended period.
“One of the finest cricketers Australia has produced, Meg’s supreme achievements with the bat have been matched by her inspiring leadership,” Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said.
“As one of the best players in the world over a long period of time, Meg has made an immeasurable impact and led a generation which has helped revolutionise the game.
“Under Meg’s leadership, the Australian women’s cricket team has built a legacy of global dominance and has been at the forefront of growing the game and inspiring the next generation of cricketers all around the world.”
Lanning will be back in action on Friday when her Stars face the red-hot Sydney Thunder in a WBBL match at the North Sydney Oval.
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