Rachael Haynes to end professional career following WBBL after announcing international and state cricket retirement

The Australia left-hander is calling time on her 13-year career, which has included six world titles, a Commonwealth Games gold medal and two Women's Big Bash League titles with Sydney Thunder

Rachael Haynes will call time on her professional career after the upcoming Women's Big Bash League.

The 35-year-old has announced her retirement from international and state cricket and will fully step away from the sport later in the year.

Haynes played six Tests, 77 one-day internationals and 84 T20Is for Australia.

She was part of six World Cup wins, claimed Commonwealth Games gold at Birmingham 2022 and played a role in four successful Ashes campaigns.

Comfortably inside the top 10 run-scorers for Australia women in ODI (2,585) and T20 (850) cricket, she made 98 on her debut against England in 2009 and never looked back.

^{Haynes helped Australia dominate the women's international scene (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)}

She was dropped ahead of the 2013-14 Ashes and did not return for more than three years, but upon her recall has been a central pillar of Australia's dominance of the women's game.

Twice a WBBL winner with Sydney Thunder, she will end her professional career after the eighth edition of the competition, which starts on October 13.

"One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop," Haynes said. 

"I'm extremely proud of the way this team has brought players in and nurtured their development. The ability to help players transition smoothly has been instrumental to our team's success. To be a leader within this environment has been the greatest privilege of my career.

^{Haynes could make it a hat-trick of WBBL title wins this season (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)}

"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 my partner Leah for their unwavering support.

"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 learnt 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."

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