Australia women's cricket team vice-captain Rachael Haynes announced her retirement from international and domestic cricket on Thursday (September 15). She will bid farewell to her professional career in the upcoming Women's Big Bash League 2022–23 (WBBL 2022-23) where she will play for Sydney Thunder.
The 35-year-old batter was Australian captain Meg Lanning’s deputy since 2018. Notably, the star left-handed batter has won six World Championships as a member of the Australia women's cricket team, as well as two ODI Cricket World Cups and one T20 World Cup.
Rachael made her international debut in 2009 and played 6 Tests, 77 ODIs, and 84 T20Is for Australia, in which she scored 383, 2585, and 850 runs, respectively. She also captained Australia 14 times in the absence of Lanning.
Rachael last played for Australia in a T20I match against India at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in August this year, where she won gold with the national team.
However, Rachael’s glittering international career can be divided into two parts, as she had to wait until 2017 for her next chance after she was dropped from the Australian team in 2013.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Rachael Haynes said in a statement: “Playing at this level isn't possible without the support of many people. From clubs, states, coaches, family, and friends, I'm so grateful to those who helped me along the way. In particular, I want to thank my parents Ian and Jenni, and partner Leah for their unwavering support.”
She added, “To all the teammates across my career, you are the reason I've played as long as I have. You've inspired me to be better every day. I've learned something from all of you, on and off the field. You've challenged me as a player, helped me grow as a person, and most importantly, made cricket fun.”
Meanwhile, Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s CEO, said: “On behalf of everyone at CA I'd like to congratulate Rachael on an amazing career and also recognize the outstanding contribution she has made off the field. Rachael's calm and assured leadership has played a key role in Australia becoming one of the most successful sporting teams in history. She will go down as a great of the game.”
Hockley signed off by saying, “Rachael has been an inspirational figure for kids coming into the game and to her many teammates and has played an integral part in the advancement of cricket as a sport for women and girls, both here in Australia and around the world. We look forward to watching Rachael in the WBBL this season and hope she maintains a close connection to the game in coming years.”
