Rachael Haynes Retires: Rachael Haynes has ended her 13-year international career. She was a key player of the Australia side that dominated women’s cricket for a generation.
The top-order batsman, who is 35 years old, also announced her retirement from state cricket but stated she would still play one more season for Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Since making her international debut in 2009, the lefthander has amassed 3,818 runs in more than 150 matches across all three forms and has won six world championships with Australia.
As vice-captain since 2018, Haynes has led Australia to two T20 World Cup victories, a 50-over World Cup victory this year, and the first-ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
“Rachael’s calm and assured leadership has played a key role in Australia becoming one of the most successful sporting teams in history,” said Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement.
“She will go down as a great of the game.”
Thank you @RachaelHaynes for your leadership, humour and your dedication to our team.
Nearly 4000 international runs, and an endless reel of screamers in the field. It's been a pleasure! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/I3s1lVizSM
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) September 14, 2022
Haynes’s retirement marks the start of the end for Australia’s golden generation of women’s cricket players, with skipper Meg Lanning taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team.
However, according to Haynes, the future of Australian women’s cricket is secure.
“One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop,” she said.
