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England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, 30, retires from international duty due to anxiety

TAUNTON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Sophie Molineux of Australia  of Australia is bowled by Sophie Ecclestone (not pictured) of England watched on by Sarah Taylor of England during Day Three of the Kia Women's Test Match between England Women and Australia Women at The Cooper Associates County Ground on July 20, 2019 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Taylor has been a menace behind the stumps. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

World Cup-winning wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has retired from international cricket as she battles against anxiety.

The 30-year-old England player has been a key player for the women’s side, with an unnerving ability to create stumpings with her rapid reactions.

But over the past year, Taylor has been forced to withdraw from the national side to focus on her mental health battles.

And with 6,533 runs to her name over a 13-year spell, the hugely respected player has brought her international career to an end.

‘A tough decision but I know it’s the right one’

“This has been a tough decision but I know it’s the right one, for me and for my health moving forward,” Taylor said.

“I can’t thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey.

“Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true and I have been blessed with so many great moments throughout my career.

“From making my debut in 2006, to Ashes wins, and of course the World Cup final at Lord’s, to name just a few.

“I’ve also been blessed with travelling the world and making lifelong friends along the way.”

GUILDFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Sarah Taylor of Surrey Stars bats during the Kia Super League match between Surrey Stars and Lancashire Thunder on August 08, 2019 in Guildford, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)
Taylor was an imposing presence, both in the field and with the bat. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18:  Sarah Taylor of Surrey Stars jumps to reach a ball as Naomi Dattani of Western Storm dives to make her ground during the Women's Kia Super League match between Surrey Stars and Western Storm at The Kia Oval on August 18, 2018 in London, England.  (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
She often astonished crowds with her quick reactions and ability to force wickets. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Taylor, second on England Women’s all-time list of run-scorers, withdrew from this summer’s Ashes series in a bid to improve her mental health.

She also missed 2018’s World T20 - in which England were losing finalists - for the same reason.

Taylor added: “I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high and with excitement for what my future holds and what my next chapter brings.”

Clare Connor, managing director of Women’s Cricket, paid tribute to Taylor, saying she could be “immensely proud” of her career.

“She is someone that young people can look up to, for her achievements and talent on the pitch – but also for her bravery and resilience off it,” Connor said.

“She has come through significant adversity and performed on the world stage for her country. We are very grateful to Sarah for her contributions to English cricket over the last 13 years.”

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