In a surprising turn of events, Meg Lanning, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, has announced her retirement from international cricket. Lanning, known for her private nature, made the announcement without any fanfare or ceremony, leaving fans and the cricketing world in shock.
The news of Lanning’s retirement appeared quietly on the Cricket Australia app, prompting an outpouring of tributes for the accomplished captain. Lanning had held the captaincy role for almost 10 years, and her departure marks the end of an era for Australian women’s cricket.
While the announcement may have taken many by surprise, it was not entirely unexpected for fans who had witnessed Lanning taking two breaks in recent times. One break was for mental health reasons in 2022, followed by another for undisclosed medical reasons in 2023.
Meg Lanning (Source: Twitter)
Australian cricket loses a leader: Meg Lanning calls it quits!
Lanning’s captaincy is closely tied to the remarkable success of the Australian women’s cricket team in recent years. Despite early struggles, including losses in the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2017 ODI World Cup, Lanning led the team to triumphs in major tournaments. Her return from a shoulder injury in 2017 marked a turning point, with victories in the T20 World Cup in 2018, 2020, and 2023, an ODI World Cup win in 2022, and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Reflecting on her retirement, Lanning expressed, “I’ve achieved so much within the game, and I’ve been lucky enough to have such a successful career and be part of very successful teams. I guess I feel like now I’ve got nothing left to achieve on the international stage. I no longer have the spark or the motivation to do what needs to happen at this level, so, for me, it’s time to move on.”
See here:
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
Lanning’s departure leaves a void in Australian women’s cricket, but her legacy as a successful and inspirational captain will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
See how fans have reacted:
One of the greatest Cricketers to have played the game.
Meg, will miss you badly, hope you continue playing in WPL for some time.
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) November 9, 2023
Happy retirement legend Meg lanning,
Retiring bit soon but what a career
Won 7 World cups including t20 ones
What a phenomenal record ????
Proper legend of Women cricket n Aus— Harsh (@harshthengineer) November 9, 2023
Skill Wise She is lady #ViratKohli
— Divya Raj (@divya_50) November 9, 2023
It's like Tendulkar or Ponting retiring from men's cricket
Winning 7 WCs as a captain, one can only dream
— Cricket Fanatic (@Loyal_Cricket) November 9, 2023
With the Sydney Swans & Sam Kerr
this is the sports person I love the most.
In a non-stalkerish, non-weird, typical & functional fan kind of way ???
Nothing to see here so you stop being weird.
Loved how she went about her business with minimum fuss.
What a Legacy she leaves— RatFinky (@de32344) November 9, 2023
Thank you GOAT ? you could have easily served the Australian team for 2-3 more years. Anyways, looking forward to see you in WPL in Red&Blue !! ?
— Sagar ?? (@imperfect_ocean) November 9, 2023
The strongest leader ever, the champions mentality and winner's temperament – that's Meg Lanning freaking winner of almost everything. Congratulations on great career Megs????
— Cummins's Aditi ? (@Sev_Khamani) November 9, 2023
Cricket will miss a true legendary leader.
It is time that that all stakeholders of this beautiful game recognise the importance of health of all participants of this game, alike, holistically and prioritise health above every other priority.
— Ram tweets (@SRIRAMR43843678) November 9, 2023
Superstar. So many good memories. Thanks Meg.
— probablystillme (@sdogbites2010) November 9, 2023
This is ?. The game of cricket might have never felt this poor.
— Sujaishil Gaikwad (@SujaishilG) November 9, 2023
