Meg Lanning Retires, Leaving a Legacy of Brilliance and Trailblazing Success

Australia Women Captain, Meg Lanning announces here retirement from the International cricket. Meg Lanning has won 7 world cup titles and considered to be the most decorated captain.

Meg Lanning retires at the age of 31 (Source: ©ICC/Twitter)

Star Australia cricketer and captain Meg Lanning, a true icon in women's cricket, has announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 31, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. While this decision comes as a surprise, Lanning, currently leading the Melbourne Stars in the ongoing WBBL, intends to continue her cricketing journey at the domestic level.

Lanning's tenure as the captain of Australia spanned 182 international matches across 241 games, a responsibility she took on at the young age of 21 in 2014. This decision to step down from international cricket is particularly poignant as she has been absent from Australia's last three series due to a medical issue. Her last appearance for the national team was in February when she lifted the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Expressing her sentiments on the retirement, Lanning stated, "The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make but I feel now is the right time for me." She reflects on her incredibly fortunate 13-year international career, expressing pride in her accomplishments and cherishing the moments shared with teammates.

Lanning, a seasoned campaigner, had taken breaks from cricket in recent seasons for various reasons. In 2022, she led Australia to their first Commonwealth Games triumph, securing a gold medal. Making her international debut at the tender age of 18 in 2010, she went on to play 241 matches for Australia, including six tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is. Notably, Lanning became the youngest Australian woman to score a century at 18, achieving an unbeaten 104.

The Australia skipper is renowned as the most successful captain globally, securing seven World Cup titles. However, her illustrious career was not without its challenges, notably missing a test century in just six test appearances over 13 years. Despite this, Lanning's impact on the cricketing world is undeniable.

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Meg Lanning has won 7 world cup title (Source: ©criccrazyjohns/Twitter)

Meg Lanning’s prominent records and legacy

Meg Lanning leaves behind an impressive array of records, including being the second-highest run-scorer in women's T20Is, boasting the most hundreds (15) in women's ODI matches. Her ODI average of 53.51 ranks third globally. Alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, she holds the record for captaining the most matches (100) in T20Is and is the fourth youngest captain (23 years, 139 days) in women's test matches. Additionally, Lanning holds the second spot in the most runs in an innings by a captain in both ODI games (152*) and T20Is (133*).

Her departure has significant implications for the landscape of women's cricket, both in Australia and internationally. As the leader who guided Australia to seven World Cup victories, including two ICC Women’s ODI World Cups and five ICC Women’s T20I World Cups, Lanning leaves a lasting legacy. Her first ICC trophy came in the T20I World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012, marking the beginning of an era of extraordinary success.

Beyond her batting prowess, Lanning also contributed with the ball, securing five international wickets. In an era where female cricket initially lacked television exposure, she became a sensation, later evolving into an inspiration for many aspiring female cricketers as the women's game gained popularity. Her influence on the growth of women’s cricket in Australia is undeniable, marking her as a true trailblazer in the sport.

Lanning's cricketing journey mirrors that of her childhood hero, Ricky Ponting. She was a prodigy, becoming the first female to play in Victoria’s male public schools' first 11 competition for Carey Grammar in 2006. Four years later, she debuted for Australia and surpassed Ponting as the youngest Australian player to make an ODI century.

Her unique batting style, characterized by strong off-side play and a lack of significant trigger movement, set her apart on the field. Lanning's impact extended beyond the cricket pitch, showcasing her ability to deliver exceptional performances in games not televised, a crucial aspect as women's cricket gained prominence.

Undoubtedly, Meg Lanning stands out as the greatest women's ODI batter of all time. Her retirement has prompted diverse reactions from the cricketing fraternity, with figures like Ian Bishop, Mithali Raj, Michael Vaughan, Heather Knight, and Adam Gilchrist expressing their thoughts on this unexpected news. The cricketing world's response reflects the greatness of Meg Lanning and the significant mark she has left on women's cricket.

In bidding farewell to the international stage, Meg Lanning leaves a legacy of generational change and success. Her impact on women's cricket, both in Australia and globally, is immeasurable, and her departure signals the end of an era marked by her exceptional contributions to the sport. The cricketing community now awaits the unfolding of a new chapter in women's cricket, acknowledging the indelible imprint left by Meg Lanning on the game.

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