Australia captain Meg Lanning retires from international cricket with immediate effect

In a surprising turn of events, Australian captain Meg Lanning has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. Lanning, who last played for Australia during the T20 World Cup in South Africa in February 2023, had been absent from the team due to an undisclosed medical issue, missing the UK tour and the recent T20 and ODI series against West Indies.

3 things you need to know
Meg Lanning led Australia to the 2022 ODI World Cup glory
Lanning captained Australia to win four T20 World Cup titles
Under Lanning's leadership, Australia won the 2015, 2019, 2022 Ashes

ALSO READ: Chris Woakes avoids Angelo Mathews-like dismissal 

Despite her return to WNCL cricket for Victoria and her current role as captain of the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, Lanning has decided to step away from the international stage. Lanning expressed that the decision was a difficult one but believes now is the right time for her to explore new opportunities.

With a 13-year international career under her belt, she leaves behind a legacy of team success, having captained Australia to four T20 World Cup titles, an ODI World Cup title, and a Commonwealth Games title. She played a total of 241 matches for Australia, including six Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is.

The accomplished cricketer thanked her family, teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their support throughout her career. She also expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported her over the years. 

"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 released by Cricket Australia. "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. I'd like to thank my family, my teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their support to allow me to play the game I love at the highest level. I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career."

Lanning's career was marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the youngest Australian female to score a century at the age of 18. Renowned as one of the greatest female ODI batters of all time, she boasts a remarkable average of 53.51, the highest among the 11 women with over 4000 ODI runs. Lanning also holds the second-highest run tally in women's T20I history, behind Suzie Bates.

Despite her stellar career, Lanning fell short of a Test century, having played only six Tests in her 13-year career. Nevertheless, her contributions to Australian cricket and her remarkable achievements on the field ensure that Meg Lanning will be remembered as one of the sport's legends.