Mary Waldron retires from international cricket

Ireland wicketkeeper Mary Waldron has announced her retirement, bringing to a close a 13-year-long international career.

Waldron, 39, was ruled out of the third ODI against Australia on Friday because of an injury. She bowed out as the second-most-capped woman in international cricket for Ireland.

"It's obviously a very emotional time but I'm very proud of what I have achieved," Waldron said in a statement. "I want to say a huge thank you to staff and coaches at Cricket Ireland for the opportunity to represent my country, and to Pembroke and Malahide for shaping my journey and supporting me all the way."

Waldron started out playing football for Ireland before making her debut in international cricket in her late 20s. She effected 111 dismissals as a wicketkeeper, the most for Ireland, after being picked to keep wickets for Pembroke Cricket Club. She also led Ireland in two ODIs.

"Mary was one of those players you always wanted in your squad - a born leader both on and off the field," Ed Joyce, Ireland head coach, said. "No matter the situation she could always be relied upon to rally her teammates or be a support during challenging times.

"Being someone who came relatively late to cricket, it's incredible how she learned quickly, and how insightful and incisive she became. Her ability to read the game, quickly analyse a situation or to spot a fielding change was welcomed by successive captains."

While playing in Tasmania in 2015, Waldron got interested in umpiring and, in 2018, became the first woman to umpire in a men's List A match. She and Eloise Sheridan later became the first women to officiate in men's first grade cricket in Australia in 2019.

"It's a sad day when a teammate retires - but even more so when that teammate is Mary Waldron," Laura Delany, Ireland captain, said. "We made our international debuts on the same day and I have loved every minute of playing alongside her.

"To have a great wicketkeeper in your side is an asset - but to also have a great analytical brain being able to assess circumstances of the game from behind the stumps is a godsend, and I know she has helped me to become a better leader through our many on-field and off-field conversations."