Anya Shrubsole announces retirement from international cricket

The England pace bowler took 227 wickets in 173 appearances across all formats, including her match-winning spell of 6 for 46 in the 2017 Women's World Cup final

Anya Shrubsole has announced her retirement from international cricket, ending a 14-year career with England.

The 30-year-old, who made her international debut in August 2008 against South Africa, took 227 wickets in 173 appearances across all formats.

A two-time World Cup winner, she played just one match in England's 2009 triumph but was the hero in 2017, taking 6 for 46 in the final against India at Lord's.

She was awarded an MBE in the 2018 New Year Honours and later became the first woman to appear on the front cover of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

She made her final international appearance in the 2022 Women's World Cup final against Australia, taking 3 for 46 with the ball.

^{Anya Shrubsole made her final international appearance in the 2022 Women's World Cup final [Hannah Peters/Getty Images]}

For much of her international career, Shrubsole was England's go-to opening bowler thanks to her lethal inswingers and is one of only four players – alongside Anisa Mohammed, Ellyse Perry and Shabnim Ismail – to have taken over 100 wickets in both ODIs and T20Is.

The Bath-native, whose career started as a teenager for Somerset in 2004, will continue to play on the domestic circuit, representing Western Storm in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup and Southern Brave in The Hundred.

Commenting on her retirement, Shrubsole said: "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.

"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."

^{Shrubsole will continue to play on the deomstic circuit [Shaun Botterill/Getty Images]}

ECB managing director of women's cricket, Clare Connor, added: "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."