Clea Smith announces retirement

Australia Women fast bowler Clea Smith, 33, has announced her retirement from all forms of the game. Smith, who played her first international match against England Women 12 years ago, decided that it was "time to move on".

"I have had wonderful experiences through cricket, achieved more than I thought I ever could and it feels like there are now other things in life I want to do," Smith said.

Smith played only one Test, but represented Australia in 48 ODIs and 12 T20Is. Her last match for Australia was the final of the Quadrangular ODI Series against England in July 2011. She cited being a part of Australia's successful ICC World Twenty20 campaign in 2010 and her domestic titles with Victoria Women as her favourite memories of her career.

"The ICC World Twenty20 in Barbados was a surreal experience - going from thinking I wasn't being picked to winning the final off the last ball was incredible.

"The Women's National Cricket League titles just meant the world to me, to win with the people you have shared blood, sweat and tears with every day," said Smith, one of only three bowlers, along with Australia Women head coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick and team-mate Kristen Beams, to have taken a hat-trick in the WNCL.

Smith acknowledged Fitzpatrick's contribution to her career. "She has had an incredible influence on my entire career; her preparation showed me what I had to do to make it as a bowler."

Although undecided about the future, Smith was keen to maintain her relationship with cricket. "I would love to give back to the game, in what role that would be we will see."

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia CEO, said that Smith's passion for the game and her experience would be missed. "I thank her for her commitment to Australian cricket over the last decade," Sutherland said.