England Women’s 2017 World Cup hero Anya Shrubsole has announced her retirement from the international game, ending a 14-year career at the highest level.
Shrubsole, a two-time ICC Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Ashes winner, was awarded an MBE after bowling her side to a famous and dramatic victory off the back of record figures (6-46) at Lord’s in 2017.
The 30-year-old, who started her domestic career for Somerset, played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets. She finishes fourth on the list of England’s ODI wicket-takers, and bows out as England’s current top IT20 wicket-taker.
She captained her country once, and in 2018 she became the first woman ever to appear on the front cover of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. She will continue to play domestic cricket in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Charlotte Edwards Cup and The Hundred.
Shrubsole said: “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.
“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.
“There have been so many people who have supported me along the way and I want to thank them all for everything they have done, but most of all I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family. They have been with me every step of the way and I simply couldn’t have done it without them.”
ECB Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “Anya has been the most tremendous servant to English cricket, and to women’s cricket specifically.
“For 14 years she has given everything for the team so it is fitting that her reasons for retiring are so selfless. In her last game for England – the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Christchurch – Anya was the team’s stand-out performer with the ball, just as she was on that magical day at Lord’s in 2017 when England women lifted the World Cup.
“Her longevity, skill and impact with the new and old ball are testament to her work ethic and commitment over so many years.
“Aside from her genius with the ball, Anya was the perfect teammate – selfless, dedicated, thoughtful and kind. She has already dedicated 14 years to England Women’s cricket and I know that she will continue to have a huge impact on the game post-playing.
“Anya loves the game as much as anyone I’ve ever met and we look forward to retaining her expertise and passion as she embarks on her next chapter.
“We thank her for everything she has done, for every girl she has inspired, and wish her all the best for what comes next.”