- Mar 4, 2024
- Jan 21, 2023
Meg Lanning, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team and one of the greatest batters of all time, has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 31. Lanning, who made her debut in 2010, has played 241 matches for Australia across all formats, scoring 8,352 runs, 17 centuries and 38 half-centuries. She has also led Australia to five World Cup titles, four in the T20 format and one in the 50-over format. She also led the Aussies to glory in the Commonwealth Games last year.
Lanning announced in a press conference on Thursday, that she got emotional while thanking her teammates, coaches, family and fans for their support throughout her career. She said that it was the “right time to move on to something new” and that she was proud of what she had achieved with the Australian team.
“The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make, but I feel now is the right time for me. 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,” she said.
Lanning’s retirement came as a shock to the cricketing world, even though she has not represented Australia since leading them to another T20 World Cup title earlier this year. She was expected to make a comeback shortly but has called it quits instead.
Meg Lanning: Records and Achievements
The decision leaves a huge void in the Australian team, which has dominated women’s cricket for the last decade. She has been the backbone of the batting line-up, the leader of the team and the role model for the young players. She has received accolades and admiration from players, coaches, commentators and fans across the world for her skill, consistency, aggression and elegance on the field.
She has set many records and milestones in her career, some of which may never be broken. As skipper, she has led Australia in 78 ODIs and 100 T20Is and has a win percentage of 88.46% and 76% respectively which is a remarkable feat. She has also won many awards and honours, including the Women’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015, the Women’s T20I Player of the Year in 2014, the Belinda Clark Award in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and the Order of Australia Medal in 2022. Lanning will be remembered as one of the legends of the game, who has left an indelible mark on the history of the game.
Here’s a look at how ‘X’ reacted to the news:
There are a handful of batters in the game that made me stop what I was doing, just to watch them play. Meg Lanning was one. My fondness, appreciation and love for the women’s game grew exponentially because of her artful batting and leadership.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 9, 2023
Thank you, Meg Lanning. For all the joy and success you brought us. But mostly, for being a key figure in furthering respect and equality for women in cricket and sport.
Legend – simple as that. We all owe you.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) November 9, 2023
It has been a career to celebrate and to cherish for Meg Lanning. Wish you well and hope we keep seeing you play at the #WPL.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 9, 2023
One of the greatest, i have never seen Aus losing in her Captaincy
— Kitler🏳️🌈🇵🇸 (@AmanKum55316908) November 9, 2023
7 World Cups at the age of 31 is Insane!!!
— Parth Patil (@parthhpatil) November 9, 2023
Skill Wise
She is #ViratKohli of Womens Cricket !!
Congrats for amazing career#MegLanning #Australia— Divya Raj (@divya_50) November 9, 2023
Incredible Career..Won tons of games for Australia 🐐 player 🔥🔥
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 9, 2023
Sad day💔
— Shahzaib Ahmad (@ahmad234450) November 9, 2023
Easily the best female cricketer and the greatest female captain I've ever seen, congratulations on your glorious career Meggie
— Ravikumar (@Ravikum50544997) November 9, 2023
