'It's time, be a little bit clearer...': Meg Lanning breaks down in tears in farewell address

Australian captain Meg Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket, leaving the cricketing world in shock. The 31-year-old, who has led Australia to five World Cup victories, revealed that the decision had been brewing for quite some time.

3 things you need to know 
Meg Lanning retired from international cricket at the age of 31
Lanning captained Australia to win five World Cup trophies
Lanning also led Australia to the historic gold medal at the CWG 2022 

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Speaking emotionally outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Lanning admitted that the realisation of her waning commitment to international cricket had been on her mind for the past 18 months. Despite her steely on-field persona, Lanning was visibly shaken and in tears, surrounded by a select group of family and friends.

The captain, known for her strategic leadership, confessed that the time away from the game, including two extended breaks, made it easier for her to make this tough decision. Reflecting on her 13-year international career, Lanning stated, "I've come to the realisation that I've probably been trying to convince myself a little bit over the last 18 months why I should keep playing and what it is that I want to achieve.

"I'm not someone who can do things half-in half-out. I've battled away a little bit trying to work all that out. But it sort of became quite clear, particularly over the last couple of days that this was the right call and what I'm ready for. Since I've made the decision I've certainly felt a little bit relieved, I guess, to have made a call and be a little bit clearer on what the next little bit looks like."

Lanning, who will continue to play domestic cricket with Melbourne Stars and Victoria, as well as in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and Women's National Cricket League (WNCL), expressed uncertainty about the next phase of her life. However, she remains committed to existing contracts, including her participation in next year's Women's Premier League (WPL) with Delhi Capitals.

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"I'll continue playing domestically and I've got contracts with some teams so I'll keep going with that," Lanning said. "I haven't thought too far ahead to be honest. I took some time to step away a little bit and be outside the cricket bubble and that's given me the opportunity to think about what else is out there.

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"I certainly haven't got anything worked out. I'm excited for something new and something different. I'll keep playing domestically, but obviously with a little bit more time and opportunity to go and discover new things. It's all I've ever known really for 13 years and I've given everything to being as good as I can to help the team win. That's what it's really been about, team success, and how I can help that and I've given everything to it. And now it's time to focus on myself and see what else is out there."

The Australian cricket star acknowledged that her focus will now shift from team success to personal exploration. Lanning, who worked as a barista during her break last year and explored the United States, is open to new opportunities beyond cricket. "I've probably been pretty narrow-minded for a long time... I'm open to trying new things and seeing where it sort of lands. I won't say no to anything," she said.

Lanning also expressed gratitude to her parents, family, friends, and coaches, particularly acknowledging the impact of long-time coach Matthew Mott and his successor Shelley Nitschke. Lanning's proudest achievement as captain was guiding Australia through the tough times after the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final loss to their subsequent golden period, including winning the 2020 T20 World Cup at home.

While she looks forward to new adventures, Lanning admitted that she will miss the big moments and the competitive spirit of international cricket.

"We had a very successful five years, but we had some lows as well," Lanning said. "I think sometimes that's easy to forget that it wasn't all plain sailing. We had to work really hard to get to where we were and I think that Motty in particular and Shell have had a really big impact on me. That (2017) World Cup didn't go to plan," Lanning said. "But you look back at that, I think we learned so much. I learned so much and we probably wouldn't have had the success that we had if that moment hadn't have happened."