England’s finest medium-pace bowler, Anya Shrubsole finally ceases her 14-year long career, by announcing her retirement from international cricket today. Shrubsole is also known for her dramatic victory, bowling a spell of 6/46 at Lord’s, for which she was awarded an MBE. Shrubsole has been a hero of England’s two time Women’s World Cup victory and has contributed immensely to England’s Ashes victories.
Anya was the first woman cricketer to make it to the cover page of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2018. With 227 international wickets, Anya finishes as England’s top T20I wicket-taker and is fourth on the list of top ODI wicket-takers. Anya started her domestic career with the Somersets and is keen on continuing her domestic career.
She reported, “I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years. To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away.
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“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I’d have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s in 2017. There have been so many people who have supported me along the way and I want to thank them all for everything they have done, but most of all I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family. They have been with me every step of the way and I simply couldn’t have done it without them,” she continued.
"Not many people get to bow out on their own terms. So I feel really privileged that I was able to have that opportunity."@Anya_shrubsole reflects on an international career that saw her take 227 wickets for her country.#ThankYouAnya pic.twitter.com/JQDOvaP6zJ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 14, 2022
ECB’s Managing Director, Clare Connor lauded her contribution and wished her luck as she said, “Anya has been the most tremendous servant to English cricket, and to women’s cricket specifically. For 14 years she has given everything for the team so it is fitting that her reasons for retiring are so selfless. In her last game for England – the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Christchurch – Anya was the team’s stand-out performer with the ball, just as she was on that magical day at Lord’s in 2017 when England women lifted the World Cup.”
“Her longevity, skill and impact with the new and old ball are testament to her work ethic and commitment over so many years. Aside from her genius with the ball, Anya was the perfect teammate – selfless, dedicated, thoughtful and kind. She has already dedicated 14 years to England Women’s cricket and I know that she will continue to have a huge impact on the game post-playing. Anya loves the game as much as anyone I’ve ever met and we look forward to retaining her expertise and passion as she embarks on her next chapter. We thank her for everything she has done, for every girl she has inspired, and wish her all the best for what comes next.”
