Beth Morgan announces retirement

Beth Morgan, the England batsman, has announced her retirement from international cricket due to a shoulder injury. Her career covered 10 years where she played seven Tests, 72 ODIs and 28 Twenty20s, featuring in the 2009 double when England won the World Cup and World Twenty20.

Morgan, 31, made her debut against Netherlands in 1999 and then returned to the team in 2003, making her Test debut two years later as England won the Ashes for the first time in 42 years.

In 2009 she partnered Claire Taylor in a matchwinning partnership of 122 against Australia in the World Twenty20 semi-final at The Oval. In the same year she played a key role in retaining the Ashes when she top-scored in England's first innings with 58 then helped secure the draw with 9 off 92 balls in the second. Her last appearance came against South Africa in October 2011.

"I have decided it is the right time for me to retire from International cricket," she said. "This was a very tough decision made after the recurrence of a shoulder injury.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time with the England squad and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career. It has been an honour to play in some truly great teams, alongside some of the best players in the world, and I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with so many outstanding coaches and support staff.

"I am incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to represent my country and take with me many wonderful memories.

"I now look forward to giving back some of that experience to Middlesex and Finchley during the coming domestic seasons as they have played such a huge part in my cricket development over the years. I would also like to wish the England team all the best in their defence of the World Cup title in India in February."

Clare Connor, the ECB's head of women's cricket, said: "Beth has been an exceptional member of the England squad, playing her part in the two World Cup wins of 2009 as well as the victorious Ashes campaigns of 2005 and 2008. Beth has embodied the very best values throughout her ten year international career and those values have made her a highly respected team member.

"At no stage could anybody have asked for more than Beth has given. She will be missed by all those involved in the England team, players and staff in equal measure, and we wish her every success and happiness in the future."