World cup winning England wicket-keeper-batsman Sarah Taylor has retired from international cricket because of her ongoing battle with anxiety, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Friday.
Sarah Taylor made her England debut as a 17-year-old in 2006. She went on to make 226 appearances across all three formats, scoring 6,533 international runs. It has placed her second on England’s all-time list of run-scorers. Also, she is widely regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers in the world.
“This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one, for me and for my health moving forward,” said Taylor. “I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high,” she added.
The 30-year-old, withdrew midway through the recent Ashes series.
In recent years, she has missed a number of series due to mental health issues.
She was a part of England’s World Cup-winning teams of 2009 and 2017. In the World cup of 2017, she scored 396 runs at an average of 49.50.
The International Cricket Council named her as the best T20 player in the world three times.
She holds the record for 232 dismissals across all three formats.
“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career,” said Taylor.
“I can’t thank my team mates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.”
Managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor paid tribute to Taylor, saying she should be “immensely proud” of her career.
“Sarah is someone young people can look up to, for her achievements and talent on the pitch – but also for her bravery and resilience off it,” said Connor.
“She has come through significant adversity and performed on the world stage for her country. We are very grateful to Sarah for her contributions to English cricket over the last 13 years,” added Connor.
