Australian women's cricket captain Meg Lanning, a two-time winner of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and five-time champion of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, has announced her retirement at the age of 31. Making her international debut in 2010 at the age of 18, Lanning played a total of 241 matches for Australia, featuring in six Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is. Her impactful leadership and stellar performances make her one of the most successful captains in cricket history.
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“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.
“I'd like to thank my family, my teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their support to allow me to play the game I love at the highest level.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career," she added.
With over 8,000 runs across all formats for her country, Lanning concluded her international career, having last played for Australia in February when she led the team to victory in the T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Lanning missed Australia's UK tour due to an undisclosed medical issue and was absent from the recent T20I and ODI series against West Indies, despite being fit and returning to play WNCL cricket for Victoria. Currently captaining the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, she is expected to continue playing domestic cricket.
The accomplished right-hander took over the captaincy from Jodie Fields in 2014 and led Australia in 182 matches, guiding the team to five ICC titles, including four T20 World Cup titles, an ODI World Cup title, and a Commonwealth Games title. Lanning was honored as the ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2014 and the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year in the following year.
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