Katherine Sciver-BruntEngland’s most prolific bowler in women’s cricket has announced her international retirement after a career spanning 19 years.
Sciver-Brunt, who made her England debut in 2004, played the last of her 267 international matches against South Africa in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Newlands in February.
In all, he claimed a total of 335 wickets across formats for England, including 170 in ODIs and 114 in T20Is – both record hauls for the country – and 51 runs in 14 Tests, the most by any player this century. Most by a bowler.
During his career, Sciver-Brunt won three World Cups – including a player-of-the-match performance in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2009 – and four Ashes series.
His declaration means that, After retiring from Test cricket last summerShe will no longer play a part in this summer’s Ashes, which run alongside the men’s series in June and July.
Sciver-Brunt said: “Well, here I am, 19 years later, at the end of my international journey. I thought I’d never reach this decision, but I have and it’s been the hardest of my life.” .
“I never had any dreams or aspirations to do what I have done, I only always wanted to make my family proud of me. And what I have achieved has gone far beyond that.
“I have a lot to be grateful for, cricket has given me a purpose, a sense of belonging, security, many golden memories and best friends that will last a lifetime. Trophies and titles I wanted to achieve, I have reached them all, but my greatest achievement is the joy I’ve found in [wife] nuts.
“It has been a great honor to represent England for so long and I would like to thank all of the England cricket family past and present for making our time here special. Supporters – you are amazing, without you we would not be who we are Love being able to do what you do and the atmosphere you guys have created is irreplaceable.
“However the biggest thanks I have goes to my family, they are my biggest fans and biggest supports without whom I would not have made this journey at all.”
Claire Connor, ECB Deputy CEO and England Women’s Managing Director – who was also Sciver-Brunt’s first England captain – said: “Catherine has done so much for the game of cricket, and women’s cricket in particular. She has an incredible Bhumika has been the model, giving us everything she has for almost 20 years now.
“When cricketers retire, we celebrate their skill, their runs and wickets, their records and accolades. But what Katherine has given to the game of cricket goes far beyond those things. The powerful influence has been through his human qualities – through his passion.” His desire to always come back better and stronger despite significant injuries, to take care of his teammates, to take our game forward.
“During that time she has spent with fans, signed autographs, had her picture taken with many of the girls and boys she inspired. Many of those kids will have seen Katherine play over the years and are eager to start playing.” It is an incredibly powerful legacy that he should be so proud of.
“Catherine began her career in a completely different era to the one we are in now and the role she has played in taking our game forward, raising standards and bringing a new audience to women’s cricket, We are grateful to him for that.
“He is quite simply a legend of our game and I would like to extend my thanks and thanks to everyone at the ECB and across the game. We wish him all the best as he kicks off a remarkable international cricket career.”
Sciver-Brunt had already announced her retirement from regional cricket, but would continue to play in the Hundred.
