Arran Brindle takes a break

Arran Brindle: taking time out for family reasons © Getty Images

One of England women's most promising allrounders, Arran Brindle, has decided to take a break from international and Super 4s cricket with immediate effect, in order to spend more time with her family.

Brindle, 24, made her international debut in a one-day match against South Africa six years ago and played her first Test against Australia the following year in 2001. She is recognised as one of the best fielders in the world following her performances in the 2005 World Cup in South Africa.

"I have decided to take an extended break from competing at the highest level for personal reasons," she explained, "and to spend more time with my family while also looking to develop my career outside of cricket."

Brindle holds the English record for an opening Test stand with Caroline Atkins, putting on a 205-run partnership in India, and has a highest Test score of 101 not out, which she completed with the last ball of the game in last summer's first Ashes Test. In the second game she steered England to a famous six-wicket victory with an undefeated second-innings 24.

"Arran has been one of our most consistent performers over the past 18 months," said her captain, Charlotte Edwards. "Her decision to retire will be a significant loss to the team. I feel very lucky at the moment that we have a crop of very exciting players who I'm sure will fill her role."

The head coach, Richard Bates, added: "It is disappointing that Arran has decided to retire from international cricket at this point. We are currently developing well and building a young exciting squad under the leadership of Edwards and newly appointed vice-captain, Laura Newton.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of playing India this summer and losing Arran as a key middle-order batter and excellent fielder will force our hand in terms of a change in the batting line up. We do though have some very exciting young players currently pushing for a place and I'm sure they will be looking to impress in the forthcoming Super 4s matches."