New Zealand spinner Morna Nielsen retires from all forms of cricket

Four shy of a 100 limited-overs internationals, New Zealand and Otago Sparks left-arm spinner Morna Nielsen has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket. Having last played both formats in November 2016, the 28-year old has shifted all of her focus into her day job as a structural engineer.

"Looking back on my career, it was awesome to have the opportunity to play at so many different places both domestically and internationally." Nielsen, who also turned out for Melbourne Stars in the Women's Big Bash and Southern Vipers in the Kia Super League, said, "And to do so with people who are now lifelong friends.

"It was also an interesting time to be involved with the changing landscape of the women's game. It opened up opportunities I never thought possible such as the Women's Big Bash in Australia and Super League in England."

In a domestic career spanning nearly 11 years, Nielsen started out as a left-arm quick bowler with Northern Districts in 2007 before switching allegiance to Otago. On the international circuit, she climbed to the No. 1 spot on the ICC T20I rankings for bowlers in 2014, and claimed remarkable figures of 4-0-4-0 in the 2016 World T20 against Australia. Overall, Nielsen picked up 53 wickets from 52 ODIs and 41 wickets from 44 T20Is.

"Morna was extremely hard working and always willing to adapt and change as the game did. She can be proud of her career with the White Ferns and we wish her every success in life after cricket," New Zealand head coach Haidee Tiffen said.

As post-retirement plans go, Nielsen has it all mapped out. "A big thanks must go to my work - BCD Group. They have been so supportive of my cricketing endeavours and now it's time to get stuck into actually doing some work!

"I'll still be keeping a keen eye on the Sparks in their domestic competitions. There's an enormous amount of talent in the squad and they are a great bunch of girls."