England women's team skipper Charlotte Edwards on Wednesday announced retirement from all forms of international cricket, thus bringing an end to her illustrious 20-year cricketing career.
The move follows England's 2016 World T20 campaign, where they were knocked out by Australia in the semifinals.
Reflecting on her retirement, Edwards admitted that it was a difficult decision to retire from the international cricket, but added that it was made keeping in view the team's benefit.
"I have given 20 years to playing for England and I leave very proud of the standing in which the women's game is held and of my contribution as a player and captain. As a 16-year-old girl making my debut for England, I couldn't have dreamt that I would have had such an amazing time with so much success. I've travelled the world, won World Cups and Ashes series and shared it all with some of my closest friends," Edwards was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Edwards said that the time has come for a new skipper to lead the team forward and give opportunities to the rookies to make their mark in the international cricket.
The 36-year-old, who made her debut in 1996 and served as the team's skipper for 10 years since 2006, would continue to play at domestic level including in the upcoming first edition of the Women's Super League.
Edwards has smashed a total of 10,000 international runs across all three formats and has also led England to three Ashes series victories and to the World Cup and World T20 double in 2009.
