Former England spinner Laura Marsh retires from cricket

She had been due to represent Oval Invincibles in the inaugural edition of the new competition, before The Hundred was pushed back until 2021

Former England bowler Laura Marsh has announced her retirement from cricket at the age of 33.

The most successful spinner in England Women’s history had already confirmed her retirement from the international game in December, before the postponement of The Hundred due to the coronavirus pandemic made up her mind.

She had been due to represent Oval Invincibles in the inaugural edition of the new competition, before the tournament was pushed back until 2021.

“With the cancellation of The Hundred this year, I feel it is the right time to hang up the boots,” she tweeted.

“I am fortunate to have made some lifelong friends and memories over the years. I am excited for the next chapter and look forward to giving back to the game that has given me so much.”

Marsh won the Women’s World Cup in 2009 and 2017, taking 217 wickets in 179 international appearances.

Having begun life as a seamer, she also went on to win the 2009 World T20, as well as playing in winning Ashes series in 2008 and 2013, before professionalisation had entered the women’s game.

Speaking to The Cricketer in February, Marsh reflected: “Professionalism as a label brings funding and opportunity, but it’s not necessarily got anything to do with your attitude, your work ethic or anything like that. In 2009, we had the most unbelievable year – to win two World Cups and the Ashes. We were 100 per cent professional in our own right.

“The main thing that sticks out was just the group of players. We were just a brilliant team, really. Everyone knew their role. We had a brilliant run of wins. At that point in time, it felt as though we were breaking the boundaries moving forward.

“You look back now and it feels a long time ago. But at that point in time, it was important that we did that. A lot of us are still really good friends. We often have catch-ups and chats about things that happened. They were some of my fondest memories.”

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