Watch: Meg Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket in an emotional speech in Melbourne today (November 9), bringing an end to a fruitful 13-year-long career.

Lanning, one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, has decided to step away from international cricket at 31 years of age, citing that she does not have the ‘spark’ to carry on at that level any longer.

Lanning made her international debut in 2010 and scored a century in just her second ODI, becoming the youngest Australian to do so at the age of just 18. Since then, she has broken and created countless records over the course of 13 years. Lanning is the only cricketer to win seven World Cup titles, two in the ODI format and five in the T20I format.

For the majority of her career, Lanning has been a leader, captaining Australia since the age of 21. In fact, no other female cricketer has led in more international matches than Lanning. She retires with more than 8,000 runs in international cricket across formats, including 17 centuries.

In an emotional retirement speech, Lanning said that it was time for her to move on: “I no longer have the spark or motivation to do what needs to happen at this level, so for me it’s time to move on.

“It’s been my life essentially for 13 years, and I know nothing other than that. I’ve learned so much and had so many incredible opportunities to do that, and I’m sad that it’s finishing up but I’m very much ready for something new. It’s time to move on and go on and experience other things other than playing cricket which I’m really excited about.”

Lanning thanked those who have played a big role in her career, including but not limited to her family and teammates, and said that she’ll miss playing for Australia.

“It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve loved every moment of playing for Australia and I’ll miss it, but it’s time to go,” said Lanning, struggling to hold back tears.

Watch the emotional retirement speech of Meg Lanning:

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

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