Follow UsThe Player of the Match of the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, Anya Shrubsole has announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday (April 14). However, the 30-year-old will continue to play domestic cricket in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Charlotte Edwards Cup and The Hundred.
The two-time World Cup champion and two-time Ashes winner registered bowling figures of 6/46 in the 2017 final against India at Lord’s and recently also featured in the 2022 World Cup. The right-arm seamer featured in eight Tests, 86 ODIs and 79 T20Is and picked up 227 wickets across all three formats.Â
"It's been an absolute honour and privilege to open the bowling with you for so many years."
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 14, 2022
Teammates past and present pay tribute to @Anya_shrubsole! 🥰#ThankYouAnya pic.twitter.com/dCqUmsK6sR
"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," said Shrubsole, who made her international debut in 2008.
"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."
England lost to Australia in the 2022 final but Shrubsole was once again fantastic, picking up 3/46 in a game where Meg Lanning and Co. amassed 356/5 in their 50 overs. England lost the game by 71 runs.Â
ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor said: "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."