In a surprising turn of events, Meg Lanning has decided to retire from international cricket at the age of 31, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned 13 years and 241 matches. As the captain of Australia in 182 international games, Lanning made a significant mark in women’s cricket.
Currently at the helm for Melbourne Stars in the WBBL, she declared her retirement with immediate effect, citing it as the opportune moment to step away. Beginning her international journey in 2010 at the age of 18, Lanning excelled in both T20Is and ODIs, accumulating 132 and 103 appearances, respectively.
Her leadership tenure, starting in 2014, witnessed unparalleled success, boasting a record of 69 wins out of 78 ODIs and 76 wins in 100 T20Is. Lanning guided Australia to victory in four T20 World Cups, and an ODI World Cup, and secured the Commonwealth Games gold last year.
Despite missing a recent series after the Commonwealth Games and taking a six-month break in 2022, Lanning’s impact remained profound. Alyssa Healy served as the interim captain during her absence, and now Australia faces the task of finding a permanent skipper as they gear up for a multi-format tour to India.
Beyond her leadership, Lanning holds various batting records, including being the youngest to score an international century and achieving the fastest century for Australia in Women’s ODIs. Her contributions were lauded by Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley, acknowledging her as one of the finest cricketers the country has produced, emphasizing both her batting prowess and inspirational leadership.
Meg Lanning made an exclusive statement: “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,”
“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,” she said. “I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career.”
Here are some Twitter Reactions post Meg Lanning’s Retirement:
Trophies won by skipper Meg Lanning :-
— JustMyThoughts (@shaibal_27) November 9, 2023
ODI World Cup
– 2022
T20 World Cup
– 2014
– 2018
– 2020
– 2023
Women's Ashes
– 2015
– 2019
– 2022
Meg Lanning leaves behind an untouchable legacy in international cricket. Happy Retirement Captain šš pic.twitter.com/yFHZCAl47f
Meg Lanning is Retire from Intl Cricket today š
— Umair Malik47 šµš° (@Malkadamunda47) November 9, 2023
Her Record in Intl Cricket Just Wow š
Matches – 241.
Runs – 8,352.
Hundreds – 17.
Matches as captain – 179.
Won – 146.
World Cups – 7.#NZvsSL#CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/L7wftXbvMh
Unreal š
— šØšššš š¬šš š®š³ (@AlteroEgos) November 9, 2023
7 World Cups captaining 5 of them in just 13 years career.#MegLanning pic.twitter.com/sx3RpNAdJG
The most successful captain in cricket history retires
— Toss Time (@TossTime2) November 9, 2023
4 T20 World Cup
1 ODI World Cup
1 CWG Gold
Meg Lanning retires at the age of 41
Happy Retirement Meg#Australia #MegLanning #AUSvsAFG #WorldCup
And she did better than anyone on the planet..š
— Gautam Raj Gandhi (@being_comali) November 9, 2023
The Run and trophy Machine says "it's time" and with respect we bow down to the Legend #Meglanning
A career nobody can dream of..šš„ŗ@AusWomenCricket https://t.co/C1MMH3MQ2c
#MegLanning Happiest Retirement Meggy n U r one of a Kind Captain š pic.twitter.com/DMRw2TrEnD
— Vamshi Stambamkadi (@Film_Director_) November 9, 2023
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