The 31-year-old made her international debut in December 2010 and at 18 years of age, became the youngest Australian to score a century after smashing an unbeaten 104 against England in just her third match.Lanning became captain of the team at 21 and led her nation to five World Cup crowns and a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
She retires having won seven World Cups in total and amassing 8,352 runs from 241 international games (six Test matches, 103 one-day internationals and 132 T20 internationals).
The batter missed this year’s Ashes draw in England for medical reasons having also taken a break from cricket in 2022 to focus on her mental health.
Seven World Cups. Our greatest run scorer. Our most successful captain.
She did it all, and she did it her way. Thanks Meg ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ojhLEQzNNC
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) November 8, 2023
Lanning, who will continue to play domestic cricket, including for Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League, said: “I’ve come to the realisation that I’ve probably been trying to convince myself a little bit over the last 18 months why I should keep playing and what it is that I want to achieve.
“It became quite clear, particularly over the last couple of days, that this was the right call and what I’m ready for.
“Since I’ve made the decision I’ve certainly felt a little bit relieved. I certainly haven’t got anything worked out. I’m excited for something new and something different.
“It’s all I’ve ever known for 13 years and I’ve given everything to being as good as I can to help the team win.
“It’s been about team success and how I can help that and I’ve given everything to it. Now it’s time to focus on myself and see what else is out there.
Emotional scenes at the MCG as Meg Lanning reflects on a peerless 13-year career in international cricket 🥺 pic.twitter.com/MCdkQcHGXI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 9, 2023
“I’ve probably been pretty narrow-minded for a long time in terms of what I wanted to, and in terms of cricket, but opened up a little bit more to new opportunities. I don’t really know what the future holds, but I’m open to trying new things.
“Team success is why you play the game, I’m proud of what I have been able to achieve and will cherish the moments shared with team-mates along the way.
