Rachael Haynes calls it quits from international cricket and WNCL

Australia batter Rachael Haynes has announced her retirement from international cricket, Cricket Australia (CA) said in a release on Thursday (September 15).



35-year-old Haynes has played six Tests, 77 ODIs, and 84 T20Is after making her debut in 2009. In a career spanning 13 years, has scored 3818 international runs across the three formats with two centuries and 25 fifties.



“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 partner Leah for their unwavering support,” Haynes said.



“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.”



The left-hander has also decided to call it quits from the domestic cricket and added that she has already played her last match for New South Wales Breakers in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). She will captain Sydney Thunder in the eighth edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) as the final hurray.



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Haynes has been a key figure in Australia’s dominance in international cricket. She has won two Cricket World Cups – 2013 and 2022 – and four T20 World Cups during her career.



“One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop. 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 added.



Haynes has been part of the Commonwealth Games Australia squad in Birmingham this year and her last international match was the final of the competition where they won the gold after defeating India.



“On behalf of everyone at Cricket Australia I’d like to congratulate Rachael on an amazing career and also recognise the outstanding contribution she has made off the field. Rachael’s calm and assured leadership has played a key role in Australia becoming one of the most successful sporting teams in history. She will go down as a great of the game,” Nick Hockely, Cricket Australia CEO, said.



“Rachael has been an inspirational figure for kids coming into the game and to her many teammates and has played an integral part in the advancement of cricket as a sport for women and girls, both here in Australia and around the world. We look forward to watching Rachael in the WBBL this season and hope she maintains a close connection to the game in coming years."