Katey Martin ends playing career after 21 years

Her 19-year international career made her the longest-serving modern-day New Zealand cricketer, while her 169 domestic one-day games is a New Zealand record for both men and women

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin has called time on her playing career after 21 years.

Martin made her White Ferns debut in her only Test match appearance in 2003 against India, and then went on to play 103 ODIs and 95 T20Is. She played her last international match during the World Cup on her home soil earlier this year.

Her 19-year international career made her the longest-serving modern-day New Zealand cricketer, while her 169 domestic one-day games is a New Zealand record for both men and women.

"It's been an incredible experience," said Martin. "To all my team-mates, coaches, opposition, fans and friends I've met along the way, I want to thank you for making my time in cricket so memorable.

"Cricket really has given me my life – from leaving Dunedin as a youngster to attend the NZC Academy in Christchurch, to traveling the world as a White Fern and representing my country – it's been a dream come true."

Martin acknowledged her mind was pretty much made up before New Zealand's final World Cup match against Pakistan.

"I knew heading into that match it could be my last time playing for New Zealand, hence why I was quite emotional. I took some time after the tournament to talk to family and friends to solidify my decision before making it official today."

^{Martin played her solitary Test in 2003 and retired following the 2022 World Cup (James Allan/Getty Images)}

Bob Carter, who coached Martin at New Zealand from 2019 until leaving his post in March this year, said Martin brought a special kind of energy to the team environment.

"Katey Martin is one of a kind. The White Ferns environment is richer for having her around. She brought energy, excitement and fun to the group and her presence will be missed, I'm sure. Her long service to both the Sparks and White Ferns has been remarkable."

Martin is already looking to the future and has aspirations to try her hand at commentary and coaching: "I'm passionate about leaving the game in a better place and would be very keen to help coach and develop our next generation of keepers. It's definitely somewhere I feel I can give back to a game that has given me so much."