Greenway retires from international cricket

Lydia Greenway, the England batsman, has announced her retirement from international cricket. Greenway, who was 17 when she made her England debut in the first Women's Ashes Test in Brisbane in 2003, played 14 Tests, 126 ODIs and 85 T20Is.

Batting mostly in the middle order, Greenway scored 362 Test runs at an average of 15.73, 2554 ODI runs at 30.04, including a hundred and 12 fifties, and 1192 T20 runs at a strike rate of 96.12. She was also a brilliant fielder, known for pulling off spectacular catches in the deep.

She was part of four Women's Ashes-winning teams, playing a key role in clinching the multi-format 2013 edition with a match-winning 64-ball 80 in the second T20I at the Rose Bowl. She was also part of England's title-winning squads at the Women's World Cup and Women's World T20 in 2009.

Her retirement follows that of former captain Charlotte Edwards, meaning England have lost two of their most experienced players within a matter of weeks, as coach Mark Robinson continues to overhaul the side ahead of the 2017 World Cup. Sarah Taylor has also decided to take a break from the game. Like Edwards, Greenway will still take part in the inaugural Women's Super League later this summer.

"During recent discussions with Mark Robinson about his focus on developing new players against Pakistan this summer, it became clear that my involvement with the England team might be limited moving forwards," Greenway said. "Whilst in the past I have been in a similar position and have fought for my place, I now feel that at this stage in my life, it's time to take a step back and retire from international cricket with immediate effect, allowing the next generation of players to develop on the world stage.

"I feel extremely privileged to have represented England for 13 years, and I am very proud of what I have personally achieved during this time. However, the success of the team and the people I have played with is what will make the memories so special. The double World Cup victories in 2009 was an amazing period for the team, and I will be right behind the girls as they pursue another World Cup win on home soil next year.

"I'd like to thank the ECB for getting the women's game to where it is now, all the coaches I have worked with, my team mates, and most importantly my family and friends for their unconditional support throughout my international career."