England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor has decided to retire from international cricket with immediate effect. The England Cricket Board, in a release, cited that Taylor’s anxiety had affected her ability to enjoy the game in recent years, and was one of the driving forces behind the decision.
“This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one, for me and for my health moving forward,” Taylor said. “I can’t thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.”
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Taylor, 30, made her England debut in 2006 and scored 6,553 international runs, which is second on England Women’s all-time list of run-scorers. But more importantly, Taylor was also a magnetic keeper behind the stumps, creating waves with her innovative methods that led her to 232 dismissals, the most in women’s cricket.
“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career. From making my debut in 2006, to Ashes wins, and of course the World Cup final at Lord’s, to name just a few,” Taylor said. “I’ve also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way.
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“To be right in the thick of women’s cricket as it’s gone from strength to strength – not only in England, but across the world – has been an amazing experience, and I can look back on what women’s cricket has achieved with great pride at playing some small part in it.
“The England girls are role models on and off the field, and they have undoubtedly inspired – and will continue to inspire – so many young people to take up the game, girls and boys. I can’t wait to see the heights that this team can reach. “I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high and with excitement for what my future holds and what my next chapter brings,” Taylor said.
Sarah had previously gone on an indefinite break from cricket after the 2016 World T20 in India before returning for the 2017 World Cup. Her workload had been carefully managed since then.
Clare Connor, the Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, lauded Taylor for her achievements and for being a powerful voice in women’s sport.
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“Sarah can be immensely proud of everything she has achieved in an England shirt, and of everything she has done for the women’s game,” Connor said. “She is someone that young people can look up to, for her achievements and talent on the pitch – but also for her bravery and resilience off it. She has come through significant adversity and performed on the world stage for her country.
“We are very grateful to Sarah for her contributions to English cricket over the last 13 years. She has become a powerful voice within women’s sport and I’m sure she will make a success of the next stage of her professional life. We all wish her the very best.”
