Meg Lanning has retired from international cricket at the age of 31. Australia’s captain hadn’t played for her country since the T20 World Cup in South Africa. Lanning missed Australia’s tour of the UK due to a medical issue. She also didn’t participate in recent T20I and ODI series against West Indies, even though she was fit, having returned to play WNCL cricket for Victoria.
Lanning is currently captaining the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. She 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.”
She added, “I would like to thank my family, teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, and the Australian Cricketers’ Association.”
In her international career, Lanning captained Australia to four T20 World Cup titles and an ODI World Cup title.
She made her international debut in 2010 and played 241 matches for Australia, including six Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is.
Lanning was the youngest Australian female to score a century, aged 18, when she made 104 not out. With an average of 53.51, she has the highest average among the 11 women with over 4000 ODI runs.
Lanning is the second-highest run-scorer in women’s T20I history behind Bates. She also had a staggering strike rate of 116.37, with two centuries.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley paid tribute to Lanning after her announcement. He stated, “Meg has made an immeasurable impact and led a generation which has helped revolutionize the game.”
He added, “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.”
“A seven-time World Cup winner and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Meg retires from international cricket having achieved everything there is to achieve and we thank her for the immense contribution she has made.”
