The Albany Gazette - England great Sciver-Brunt retires from international cricket

Sciver-Brunt, who made her international debut in 2004, amassed 355 wickets in 267 appearances for England.

The fast bowler helped England's women to three Ashes series victories and three World Cup wins, two coming in ODIs and one in T20s.

Only India's Jhulan Goswami (355) has more dismissals than Sciver-Brunt in all women's international formats.

Sciver-Brunt, 37, quit playing Tests last year and also stepped away from ODIs.

She has now elected to walk away from England altogether, despite contemplating staying on for the T20 portion of this summer's multi-format Ashes series.

"Well here I am, 19 years later, at the end of my international journey," she said. "I thought I'd never be able to reach this decision but I have and it's been the hardest one of my life.

"I never had any dreams or aspirations to do what I've done, I only ever wished to make my family proud of me. And what I've achieved has gone way beyond that."

Sciver-Brunt's last England appearance came in the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat against hosts South Africa in February.

"I have so much to be thankful for, cricket has given me a purpose, a sense of belonging, security, many golden memories and best friends that will last a lifetime," Sciver-Brunt added.

"It has been a huge honour representing England for so long and I'd like to thank all of the England cricket family past and present for making my time a special one."

Sciver-Brunt, often considered a bowling all-rounder after amassing 1,864 international runs, has already stepped away from regional cricket but will play one more season in The Hundred.

(O.Joost--BBZ)