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Cricket

Australia’s vice-captain Rachael Haynes announces her retirement

Rachael Haynes, Australia’s World Cup champion and vice-captain, has declared her international retirement.

The 35-year-old batter has been a vital player for Australia’s all-conquering side, having won 50-over World Cups and three Twenty20 World Cups, as well as gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Haynes made her debut in 2009 and has since played 77 one-day internationals, 84 Twenty20 internationals, and six test matches for Australia. Haynes is Australia’s ninth-highest run-scorer in both limited-overs forms, with 2585 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.76 and 850 runs in T20Is at an aggregate of 26.56.

Haynes, on the other hand, will continue to play for the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League beginning next month but will not be part of the New South Wales team’s domestic season, which begins next week.

“To all of my teammates over the years, you are the reason I’ve been able to play for as long as I have. Every day, you motivate me to do better. I’ve learned a lot from everyone, on and off the field,” Haynes said in a statement.

“You’ve pushed me as a player, helped me grow as a person, and most importantly, you’ve made cricket enjoyable,” she continued. “One of the most rewarding aspects of having a long career is watching individuals around you grow. I’m quite happy of how our club has brought in new players and supported their growth,” she stated. “The ability to assist players in making a smooth transition has been critical to our team’s success. Being a leader in this environment has been the biggest honour of my career,” she also remarked.

Six months after her comeback in 2017, she captained Australia in the Ashes following Meg Lanning’s injury, leading her team to a draw and retaining the trophy. She subsequently forged a powerful opening partnership with Alyssa Healy in one-day international cricket and was the second-highest scorer in this year’s 50-over World Cup, trailing only Healy, with 130 against England in her side’s opening game.

“On behalf of everyone at CA, I’d want to congratulate Rachael on a fantastic career and also acknowledge the extraordinary contribution she has made off the field,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.

“Rachael’s comfortable and calm leadership has helped Australia become one of the most successful athletic teams in history. She will be remembered as a gaming legend. Rachael has been an inspirational figure for kids coming into the game and to her numerous teammates, and she has played a vital part in the promotion of cricket as a sport for women and girls, both here in Australia and throughout the world,” Hockley said. We’re excited to have Rachael in the WBBL this season and hope she stays involved with the game in the future,” he concluded.

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