An hour after leading Southern Vipers to runners-up finish in the second Kia Super League, legendary England batswoman Charlotte Edwards has brought down curtains on her professional career. The 37-year old had called it a day in international cricket last year after being removed from the England captaincy. But she continued to ply her trade in domestic cricket, leading the Vipers to the title in the inaugural KSL last year.
She admitted that she would like to play ‘some county cricket’ but made it clear that her career is finished as far as the professional leagues, such as the KSL and Women’s Big Bash, are concerned.
“I think I would like to play some county cricket but in terms of this competition and playing overseas this is it, my time is done, and I want to pursue other things such as coaching and perhaps some media work,” she said. “I am happy and content with what I have achieved in my career, I have loved every minute of it.”
Talking about her plans, Edwards revealed she has already contacted England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding the possibility of mentoring the junior cricketers.
“I haven’t got anything final lined up in terms of coaching,” Edwards said. “I have spoken to the ECB about potentially working with their junior age groups and hopefully help a lot of the good talent we have got in England develop. I am not envious of the youngsters, I just hope they can grab the incredible opportunities there are now. It is a brilliant time to be involved in the women’s game and hopefully the game in this country will continue to grow.”
Edwards further congratulated Western Storm for winning the KSL.
“I just wanted to enjoy today and full credit to the Western Storm, they played brilliantly, and it was a fantastic innings by Rachel Priest for them,” she said.
Edwards was removed as England’s captain after the team exited last year’s World T20 at the semi-final stage. Edwards was England’s top-scorer and had earned two man-of-the-match awards, but it was not enough for her to save her decade-old captaincy. Pioneer of the women’s game, Edwards, who is the first player – male or female – to score 2,500 runs in T20 internationals, is retiring from the professional game as one of its most respected and accomplished performers.