England veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Sarah Taylor has announced shocking retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. The 30-year-old has been dealing with anxiety issues for past few years, that forced her into retirement.
Since 2016, Taylor had taken breaks from international cricket on occasions to deal with the anxiety issues. Recently, she had withdrawn from the Ashes T20I series. Last year, Taylor had also withdrawn from T20 World Cup. England had ended up as the runner-up.
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During the course of her battle with anxiety issues, Taylor was fully backed by England Cricket Board (ECB). She had also thanked the board for its continued support.
“This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one. For me and for my health moving forward. I can’t thank my team-mates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey,” Taylor said on her retirement.
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“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career. From making my debut in 2006, to Ashes wins, and of course, the World Cup final at Lord’s, to name just a few. I’ve also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way,” she added.
Taylor played 10 Tests, 126 ODIs and 90 T20Is. In total, she scored 6533 runs at the highest level of the game. Known for her wicketkeeping skills, she affected 232 dismissals, most by any player.
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Taylor’s innings in the final World Cup 2017 saw England put up a total of 228/7 in the final. She was well supported by Natalie Sciver, who scored 51. The total turned out to be match-winning one as India slumped to a nine-run defeat.
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Taylor had made her debut at a young of 17 in a Test match against India in 2006. Her final international contest came in Ashes Test against Australia in July this year.