The England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket aged 30 due to the effects of anxiety.
Taylor will be remembered as a great of the women’s game, for both her classy top order batting and sensationally skilful keeping. She is a World Cup and Ashes winner.
After a 13-year international career, she retires as England’s second highest women’s run scorer in women’s international cricket, while no keeper has effected more dismissals across all three formats than Her 232. Many of those are her trademark legside stumpings.
In recent years anxiety has forced her to take time out of the game and be constantly managed.
“This has been a tough decision but I know it's the right one, for me and for my health moving forward,” said Taylor. “I can't thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.
"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.
"I've also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way.”
Clare Connor, the ECB director of women’s cricket, 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.”
