Tuesday 17 December 2019 07:12, UK
England spinner Laura Marsh has announced her international retirement after a 13-year career that saw her win three World Cups.
Marsh, 33, made her debut in 2006 as a seamer before switching to spin.
She took 217 international wickets across her career, finishing up as the most successful spinner in the history of English women's cricket - and England's third-highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals.
Marsh took 16 wickets to finish as the leading wicket-taker in England's 2009 ICC Women's World Cup win.
She was also part of their World T20 winning side that year and was triumphant on the world stage once more as England won the World Cup again in 2017, on home soil at a packed-out Lord's.
Managing director of women's cricket for the ECB, Clare Connor, said: "Laura has been a fantastic servant to English cricket and we're so grateful for everything she has contributed over a career spanning 13 years.
"Her record ranks amongst the very best bowlers in the history of our game but the stats are only one part of her impact.
"She'll be remembered by those who have played with her and worked with her for her kindness, her loyalty and her relentless desire to improve. Laura was softly spoken but fiercely determined to play her part for the team.
"Not many cricketers in the world have won three World Cups, and these are wonderful memories that Laura takes into retirement with her.
"She's been the complete team player and a role model for England women's cricket and she will be missed."
England seamer Katherine Brunt told Sky Sports Cricket of Marsh's retirement: "It is a huge loss.
"Laura has always been a very good wicket-taking option for us and that is something you don't want to lose, especially these days when you are playing on tracks that are favourable for batsmen.
"She has massive experience, lots of control and is very handy with the bat as well.
"Laura may have loved to go on for longer but everything has to come to an end. You have to pick the right time for yourself and not for anyone else, although it is difficult to think like that when you are a big team player.
"Laura is someone who always puts the team first. She will be missed massively. I am so proud of her and hope she goes on to do really good things."
