Anya Shrubsole has called time on her remarkable international career that spanned 14 years. The 30-year-old was the architect of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph and was awarded an MBE after bowling the side to a dramatic victory with 6 for 46 in the final against India at Lord’s.
She represented her nation in 173 matches across all formats, picking 227 wickets and winning World Cup and Ashes series two times each in the process. Shrubsole is fourth on the list of England’s ODI bowlers and is England’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
The player will continue to play in domestic cricket in the Hundred, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edwards Cup. In a statement released by England and Wales Cricket Board, she said the game is moving forward fast and it is the right time to step away.
“To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but 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 would have been happy with one game.”
In 2018, Shrubsole became the first woman ever to feature on the front cover of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. She has captained the England side once.
Shrubsole has been plagued with injuries in recent times. She was part of England’s Ashes tour of Australia earlier this year as well as the 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. The right arm seamer claimed three for 46 in her last appearance for England in the final against Australia, which ended in a 71-run defeat on April 3.
