London: Veteran England fast bowler Katherine Brunt has announced her retirement from Test cricket. Katherine, 36, walks away from the format as England’s third leading Test wicket-taker with 51 wickets in 14 matches, including three five-for with a best of 6/69 against Australia at Worcester in 2009.
“I think as an athlete there is no clear time to move away from doing the thing that you love. But the thoughts of retirement have surfaced more and more in the last two years, so I have decided to make an emotional decision. I have decided to take a smart decision instead. Test cricket is my absolute passion and retiring from this format was indeed a heartbreaking choice, but it allows me to prefer white-ball cricket,” Katherine said in a statement. said in the statement.
Catherine, who made her Test debut in 2004, took eight wickets in her final Test, a thrilling draw in the Women’s Ashes Test in Canberra, Australia, claiming 5/60 in the first innings and 3/24 in the second essay. She retired after enjoying the tenth longest Test career in the history of the women’s game. Katherine will continue to play white-ball cricket for England, where she has picked up 167 wickets in 140 ODIs and 98 wickets in 96 T20Is.
“I know I leave it in a great place, the incoming bowlers are ready and they’re itching to let loose! And with South Africa’s game on, I get to watch them from the best seat at home. Very curious,” said Catherine.
England’s only Test in the following summer comes against South Africa in Taunton from June 27–30. The hosts will face the Proteas in three ODIs and as many T20Is, followed by three ODIs and as many T20Is against India, before taking part in the women’s T20 schedule at the Commonwealth Games in late July and August.
“Katherine’s passion and commitment was never more evident than in playing Test cricket for England and you only need to watch the last Ashes Test to see her desire, her heart and her undoubted ability with the red ball in her hand.” “
“She has given everything for England women in Test cricket and we fully support her decision to focus on white-ball cricket at the international level. Catherine can leave the red ball behind knowing she is a true legend in that form of the game and has set standards that future generations can only aspire to,” said England Women’s Cricket Director Jonathan Finch .
Get all the latest updates cricket news, cricket pictures, cricket videos And cricket score Here