The prominent England women’s team off-spinner Danielle Hazell on Friday (January 25) has retired from international cricket at the age of 30. The quality spinner has been the part of England’s two ICC World Cup-winning teams and three Ashes coveted victories.
The former skipper has bagged 146 scalps since making her debut in 2009. She was awarded a central contract in 2014.
The decorated cricketer hang her boots while reiterated she has thoroughly enjoyed the game. During her nine-year stint with England Women’s Cricket Team, Dani remarked she had thoroughly enjoyed the consecutive triumph during 2013 and 2014 Ashes campaign respectively.
“There have been some amazing highlights – some really special moments. I owe a lot to the game. And I would now love to give some of my time and energy back into the sport. But the memory that stands out the most to me is the back-to-back Ashes victories across 2013 and 2014,” Danielle told in ECB’s release.
Danielle contends with her decision:
Moreover, the Durham star Hazell revealed she don’t regret her decision. She is looked forward to the new avenues in the near future.
“I feel 100 per cent happy with my decision to move on from playing international cricket. I’m really excited to find out what the next chapter holds in store for me,” Danielle added.
Danielle, who represented England in 85 Twenty20 Internationals, 53 One-day Internationals and three Tests, maintained the workload had pushed her to mull over the decision. Danielle didn’t shy away from saying that she will miss out on donning the English jersey and the members of the team respectively.
“Playing international cricket for nine years can have an effect on you both mentally and physically and my body is telling me that it’s time to move on. I’ll miss the girls. I’ll miss pulling on the England shirt. And I’ll miss being in the arena but the timing is right for me,” Danielle concluded.
Mark Robinson lauds Danielle Hazell:
On the other side, England women’s team coach Mark Robinson termed Dani as unique in the English set-up. He maintained the cricketer could boast about whatever she has had achieved.
“She has been one of the best off-spinners in the world but it won’t only be her cricketing ability that we’ll miss. Dani can justifiably be really proud of her international career,” Robinson said.
Robinson asserted they would miss one of the astute thinkers of the game. According to the team coach, Dani has thrown unconditional support behind the concurrent England skipper Heather Knight. Robinson has further extended best wishes to the outgoing professional.
“We’ll miss her leadership qualities and her character. She has mentored the likes of Sophie Ecclestone on and off the pitch. [She] been a good ally for Heather and been a more than capable deputy when needed. We all wish her all the best as she enters the next chapter of her life,” Robinson said in a release.
Clare Connor heaps praise on Dani Hazell:
In conclusion, Clare Connor, the managing director of women’s cricket team has thanked Danielle for rendering her services on behalf of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
“We thank her for all she has done and wish her all the best with whatever comes next,” Connor said.
Danielle has emerged as a solid performer during her international stint following her spectacular show in the limited-overs fold.
Here’s the latest tweet from the ECB:
? BREAKING NEWS ?
Dani Hazell has announced her retirement from international cricket.
➡️ https://t.co/6ONgoOXOUG#ThankYouDani pic.twitter.com/6qZQM7Bmmu
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 25, 2019