Colvin steps away for new career

Holly Colvin, the England left-arm spinner who played in two Ashes-winning sides plus the victorious World Twenty20 and World Cup campaigns in 2009, has decided to pursue a career outside cricket and will not be available for January's Ashes series or the World Twenty20.

Colvin, 24, made her international debut aged 15 against Australia in 2005 and still harbours ambitions to resume her England career but believes now is the best chance for her to establish a profession off the field. She was part of the side that recently returned from the Caribbean and currently sits on 98 ODI wickets from 72 matches, alongside 63 in 50 Twenty20 internationals.

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly as playing for England means so much to me and has been an integral part of my life since I was 15 years old," Colvin said. "But after eight years in the sport I feel now is the right moment to take a break and seek to establish myself in a career outside cricket.

"The England team management fully understand my thinking and I have reassured them that I have no intention of retiring from the sport. There is still much that I want to achieve in international cricket and I very much hope that I can be part of a successful England team again in the future."

Clare Connor, the ECB's head of women's cricket, said: "This has not been an easy decision for Holly as she has played for England for all of her young adult life. She has been a key member of the team, playing her part in our World Cup and World T20 wins in 2009 as well as successful Ashes campaigns in 2009 and 2013. I am sure that many exciting opportunities will open up for Holly and we wish her every success as she takes some time away from the game to explore new avenues."

Colvin's place in the England women's performance squad has gone to 23-year-old Rebecca Grundy, a left-arm spinner from Warwickshire who has been part of the England academy system, and she will now be competing for a spot on the tour to Australia followed by the World T20 in Bangladesh where spin will play a major role.

Connor added: "Rebecca has developed enormously over the last couple of years at Warwickshire and thoroughly deserves this opportunity."