16 December 2019

England's most successful spin bowler and three-time World Champion Laura Marsh announces retirement from international cricket

Three-time World Cup champion Laura Marsh has announced her retirement from international cricket after a career spanning 13 years.

Marsh, 33, has taken 217 international wickets across all formats since her debut in 2006 and was England's leading wicket-taker in their victorious 2009 World Cup campaign.

She was also one of the five members of that squad who featured in the England side that won at Lord's in 2017 and was also part of the team that lifted the 2009 World Twenty20 trophy. Originally a seam bowler, the record-holder soon switched to spin.

Her retirement means that Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole are now the only internationally active members of the England sides that were victorious at the 2009 World Cup and World T20 tournaments.

Not just a star wicker-taker, Marsh has also batted at every position from one to 11 and amassed a total of 1588 runs across all three formats.

Aside from her cricketing successes, Marsh was one of a 50-strong team of walkers who embarked on the three peaks challenge 2019 in aid of the Professional Cricketers' Trust and the Tom Maynard Trust.

The challenge is considered one of Britain's toughest challenges, taking on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over the course of three days, totalling 26 miles and an ascension of almost 3,000m.

Clare Connor, Managing Director, Women's Cricket, said: "Laura has been a fantastic servant to English cricket and we're so grateful for everything she has contributed over a career spanning 13 years.

"Her record ranks amongst the very best bowlers in the history of our game but the stats are only one part of her impact.

“She’ll be remembered by those who have played with her and worked with her for her kindness, her loyalty and her relentless desire to improve. Laura was softly spoken but fiercely determined to play her part for the team.

"Not many cricketers in the world have won three World Cups, and these are wonderful memories that Laura takes into retirement with her. She's been the complete team player and a role model for England women’s cricket and she will be missed."

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