In a surprising and emotional decision, Meg Lanning, a prominent figure in Australian cricket, has declared her retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. Lanning’s career has spanned 241 matches and 13 years, during which she led Australia in 182 international matches.
The announcement of her retirement was a tough but well-considered choice for Lanning. She expressed that it is “the right time” for her to step away from the international stage, highlighting the importance of team success in the game. Throughout her illustrious career, she has achieved numerous milestones, and her contributions to Australian cricket have been celebrated by fans worldwide.
A Legendary Leader and Record-Setter
Meg Lanning, who made her debut in 2010, has left an indelible mark on women’s cricket. She has played 132 T20Is, 103 ODIs, and featured in six Test matches. Her leadership as the captain has been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a record that includes 69 wins out of 78 ODIs, 76 wins in 100 T20Is, and a Test victory during her four Tests as Australia’s captain.
Lanning’s leadership has been pivotal in Australia’s success, as she guided her team to four T20 World Cup titles, and one ODI World Cup, and secured the Commonwealth Games gold in the past year.
A Remarkable Legacy
Although Lanning had missed several series in recent times, her legacy remains intact. She is known for being the youngest player to score an international century, achieving the feat at the age of 18 and 288 days. She also holds the record for the fastest century in Women’s ODIs for Australia, completing a 45-ball century against New Zealand in 2012.
While Lanning’s international career comes to a close, her cricketing journey continues as she remains the captain of the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL and is set to participate in franchise and domestic cricket.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley praised Lanning’s remarkable contributions to Australian cricket, recognizing her as one of the finest cricketers the country has produced. He highlighted her inspiring leadership and the immense impact she has had on the game and the next generation of cricketers worldwide. Lanning’s international career will be celebrated, ensuring her legacy lives on in the annals of cricket history.
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