Charlotte Edwards reflects on decision to retire from international cricket
Tuesday 21 June 2016 12:06, UK
Charlotte Edwards says she has moved on and is now looking to the future following her retirement from international cricket.
England's former skipper called time on her international career last month after "honest and open discussions" with new head coach Mark Robinson who was keen to build for the future.
"It's sad how it all came to an end but I'm incredibly excited about the future," Edwards told Sky Sports. "I'm comfortable with it now.
"I've had six weeks away from training full-time now and it's amazing what's happened since. There has been a lot of time over the last six weeks to think about the decision. Initially it was such a huge shock to me having spent my whole adult life playing cricket for England.
"After a week of getting my head round it and then obviously announcing my retirement, I have now moved on and it's time for the England cricket team to move on.
"That's why I made my retirement decision at the time. I was very conscious that I needed closure for myself and the team needed it certainly."
Edwards made her international debut at the age of 15 and went on to make over 300 appearances for England, captaining the side to three Women's Ashes series wins and to the World Cup and World T20 double in 2009.
She captained her country on 220 occasions during her career and was also the first player - male or female - to reach 2,500 T20 international runs.
And although the 36-year-old admitted she would have loved to have played in the 2017 Women's World Cup on home soil, Edwards hopes the next generation of talent can power England to glory.
"Obviously I wanted to play in the 2017 World Cup at home," she said. "That's not to be now but there are lots of great opportunities for me outside of the game.
"I didn't want to sit there wanting players to underperform especially when I have invested so much of time in the England players.
"It's a great opportunity now for those young batters to take a top order spot in the team and hopefully go on and lift the World Cup next summer."
