Tributes pour in for legendary England captain Charlotte Edwards as she announces retirement
England women's team captain Charlotte Edwards announced her retirement from international cricket, after representing her national side for 20 glorious years.
Born in Huntingdon, Edwards made her debut for her country at the age of 17 in 1996 and was the youngest player to do so at the time. She has represented England in 23 tests, 191 ODIs and 95 T20 internationals.
Edwards took over as the captain of the team in 2005 and had a very successful stint. She led England to the 2009 World Cup title and the World T20 title the same year. She has also led the team to win their first Ashes in 42 years in 2005 and also helped them win three more titles.
She also has numerous individual records to her name and is the first player in the world to score 2500 runs in T20 internationals. In 1997, she smashed the then highest ODI score of 173 not out in a World Cup match.
"I leave very proud of the standing in which the women's game is held and of my contribution as a player and captain. It's the right time for a new captain to lead the team forward," she said.
The legendary cricketer has been one of the most significant figures in the history of the women's game, not just in England, but across the globe.
Tributes poured in for the right-hander on Twitter, with wishes from her teammates and the entire cricket world, who lauded the fine cricketer for her tremendous contribution to the game.
Big call to make her step down as captain but as a player! Heartbroken for @Lottie2323 Still Eng's best bat & key to 2017 WC chances at home
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 11, 2016
While I'm deeply sad to see it end - @Lottie2323 what an incredible 20 yrs. You are a true inspiration for what is possible. #gamechanger
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 11, 2016
A big congrats to @Lottie2323 on a fantastic career ... No record left unturned and has changed end cricket https://t.co/pb0B6KP0JW
— Ebony Rainford-Brent (@ejrainfordbrent) May 11, 2016
New era for @ECB_cricket without Edwards. Brilliant for the squad to build for next phase. Someone will have to pick up the weight of runs!
— Ebony Rainford-Brent (@ejrainfordbrent) May 11, 2016
The best player/captain I've ever played with or against @Lottie2323 an inspiration to many and a huge loss for cricket.
— Charlotte Anneveld (@Char_Anneveld) May 11, 2016
Been an honour to grow up watching & ending up playing with @Lottie2323 a true inspiration in women's cricket! What a career chief! #legend
— Tammy Beaumont (@Tammy_Beaumont) May 11, 2016
Well done @Lottie2323 not many have or will achieve what u have in cricket.
— Rob Key (@robkey612) May 11, 2016
And, yup, had one for Charlotte Edwards.
— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) May 11, 2016
Go well, absolute game changer.
Congratulations to @Lottie2323 on an amazing international career! She's done it all & remained a joker throughout! https://t.co/hO58DV50yk
— Elyse Villani (@ElyseVillani) May 11, 2016
Her Australian counterpart Meg Lanning also took to the micro-blogging site to wish the 36-year-old.
Congrats @Lottie2323 on an incredible international career. A legend of the game !
— Meg Lanning (@meglanning7) May 11, 2016
Twitter handles of official cricket boards also wished Edwards on her brilliant career. #LoveLottie was trending on Twitter.
A hero of our game!#LoveLottiehttps://t.co/bNMUQdJURf pic.twitter.com/Zg6hnjD5mI
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 11, 2016
Congrats @Lottie2323 on an outstanding career! A great inspiration and ambassador for the game #LoveLottie
— Essex Cricket Board (@EssexCCB) May 11, 2016
Congratulations to .@Lottie2323 on a fantastic and truly inspirational .@englandcricket career. #LoveLottie pic.twitter.com/HZkN8TgBnl
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) May 11, 2016
Congrats to @Lottie2323 on a wonderful international career. You've been an inspiration to many #LoveLottie pic.twitter.com/huFq3mh4N1
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) May 11, 2016
She is also the captain of Kent Women’s team and will continue to lead them.
Debut aged 16, ICC World Player of the Year 2008, first player to score 2,500 T20 international runs, ODI appearance record, CBE#LoveLottie
— Kent Cricket (@kentcricket) May 11, 2016
Edwards, who was named the ICC women’s cricketer of the year in 2008, will continue to play domestic cricket and will be leading the Southern Vipers in the Kia Super League scheduled in July-August.