Legendary Australian women’s captain Meg Lanning has announced her retirement from international cricket, representing the end of an era for the all-conquering national side.
Lanning, 31, retires as one of Australian sport’s most successful leaders having guided the Southern Stars to five World Cup titles and much more.
“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 in a statement on Thursday.
“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.”
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The seven-time World Cup winner and three-time Belinda Clark medallist scored 8,352 runs from 241 international matches, and had 17 centuries across her remarkable international career.
Lanning made her international debut in 2010 and became the youngest Australian to score a century when she scored 104 not out against England at the WACA Ground, aged 18 years and 288 days, in just her third national appearance.
Lanning was already an ODI and T20 World Cup winner (2012 and 2013 respectively) when she was appointed Australian captain at 21 and oversaw a period of unrivalled dominance for the Australian women’s team.
Lanning captained Australia on 182 occasions, more than any other women’s player, and oversaw an 80 per cent win rate as skipper.
Leading Australia to one ICC Cricket World Cup (2022), four ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023) titles and a Commonwealth Games gold medal ensures Lanning retires as one of the game’s most decorated captains.
Lanning reveals career highs and lows | 01:34
“One of the finest cricketers Australia has produced, Meg’s supreme achievements with the bat have been matched by her inspiring leadership,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.
“As one of the best players in the world over a long period of time, Meg has made an immeasurable impact and led a generation which has helped revolutionise the game.
“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 medallist, Meg retires from international cricket having achieved everything there is to achieve and we thank her for the immense contribution she has made.
“We look forward to celebrating Meg’s distinguished international career at an appropriate time.”
Lanning will continue to play in domestic competitions, including the women’s Big Bash League and the women’s National Cricket League.