New Zealand-born Ireland all-rounder with 135 wickets announces retirement at age of 32

Ireland women's cricket team's bowling all-rounder Arlene Kelly has announced her retirement from international cricket. The third and final ODI of the series against England at New Road, Worcester, was the last match of her international cricket career.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I’ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field. However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends,” the Auckland-born Arlene said in a statement. 

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Arlene's impressive numbers for Ireland

Arlene made her T20I and ODI debut against South Africa in June 2022. Before the third ODI, she had 422 runs from 38 ODIs. With the ball, she took 44 wickets at an average of 31.38, featuring two four-fers. In T20Is, she has scored just 179 runs from 30 innings. She has been impressive with the ball with 91 wickets from 71 T20Is at an average of 15.47, featuring two fifers and three four-fers. Her best bowling figures of five wickets for 12 runs came against Netherlands in 2023.

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Arlene will retire as the third-highest wicket-taker for Ireland with 136 international wickets. She is only behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.

Arlene had captained Ireland in 2025 in the absence of Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast. She is among 10 players to captain Ireland in T20Is.

Arlene’s form on England tour

In the ongoing ODI series, she picked a wicket each in first two ODIs. She did not get to bat in both games. In the T20I series, she claimed two wickets in the three-T20I series and scored 22 runs from two innings.

How Arlene performed in her farewell ODI

Arlene bowled six overs including a maiden, conceded 37 runs and dismissed Ryana MacDonald-Gay. With the bat, she scored just two runs from six balls. She lost her wicket to Charlie Dean. Opener Sophia Dunkley's 119 helped England post 291 before they were bowled out for 291 in 48.5 overs. Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs. They lost the match by 114 runs. England completed the series whitewash as well.