Rachael Haynes tributes pour in amid sad Aussie cricket news
Aussie women's cricket great Rachael Haynes has been inundated with tributes across the cricket world after calling time on her glittering international career.
The 35-year-old on Thursday ended months of speculation by announcing that she was stepping down from international cricket after a 13-year career that included 167 games for the Green and Gold across all formats.
'DISRESPECTFUL': Shane Warne's daughter slams TV network's move
EPIC: Will Pucovski's incredible return to cricket after concussion saga
INTERESTING: Warner's staggering reveal about Aussie leadership ban
Haynes becomes the first member of Australia's golden generation to announce her retirement, having capped off an extraordinary career with Commonwealth Games gold in Edinburgh.
The 35-year-old has also retired from domestic one-day cricket, but will commit to this summer's WBBL with the Sydney Thunder before ceasing to play entirely.
Haynes' career includes wins in three T20 World Cups and two one-day titles, while she also sits fourth all-time in leading run-scorers in the Women's National Cricket League.
One of the world's best top-order batters, Haynes enjoyed a career split in two after she was forced to fight her way back into the team following the loss in the 2013 Ashes.
She had to wait until 2017 to be recalled, taking over as captain almost immediately in that year's one-day World Cup.
The left-hander scored more than half of her 3818 career runs from that point, averaging 41.25 since her return to the side in all formats.
"One of the great things about having a long career is watching those around you develop," Haynes said in a statement.
"I'm extremely proud of the way this team has brought players in and nurtured their development.
"The ability to help players transition smoothly has been instrumental to our team's success.
"To be a leader within this environment has been the greatest privilege of my career."
Rachael Haynes' career celebrated across cricket world
News of Haynes' international retirement sparked an outpouring of support across the cricket world, with fans quick to celebrate one of Australia's finest female cricketers.
Rachael Haynes, what a player! ⭐
Australia's vice-captain is retiring after 167 matches in the green and gold and 3818 international runs to her name. pic.twitter.com/4tt8Dg3RPx— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 15, 2022
JUST IN: Australia vice-captain Racheal Haynes retires from international cricket and state cricket. She will play WBBL for one last time in the coming season.
We wish @RachaelHaynes all the best for the next innings and thank her for all the incredible memories pic.twitter.com/DOBRJWJBqe— Cricket Queens (@cricketqueens) September 14, 2022
Rachael Haynes has announced her retirement from international cricket. One of the finest Australian player!
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 15, 2022
Rachel Haynes is a phenomenal cricketer. She has done so much for women and women’s cricket. What a incredible career she’s had. Thank you for everything Rach. Enjoy retirement 🏏
— Ashlee (@_itsashleeee_) September 15, 2022
Rachael Haynes has announced her retirement from international cricket and the Breakers. WBBL08 with the Sydney Thunder will be her last.
She has been an outstanding leader and player and will be missed.— Menners 🎙 (@amenners) September 14, 2022
Rachael Haynes announces international and WNCL retirement, will play on in WBBL 08.
Thank you @RachaelHaynes for everything you've done for cricket. You've been a stellar batter, a great fielder, and a strong leader. What adds to your legend is the person you are. #ThankYouRach pic.twitter.com/vn2CgFO88D— Women's Cricket Fans (@WCricketfanpage) September 14, 2022
Rachael Haynes an essential part of Australia's runaway success since 2017. A big reason for that was an ability to keep cricket in perspective with the rest of life. The perfect complement to Lanning and Mott. Hope she remains involved in shaping cricket after retirement
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) September 14, 2022
Haynes' retirement leaves Cricket Australia with another potential captaincy decision to make, as she has been skipper Meg Lanning's deputy for the past five years.
Lanning has taken an indefinite break from cricket for personal reasons, and is not guaranteed to return before Australia's next match in India in December.
Alyssa Healy would be the most likely candidate to fill the role if required, after serving as Lanning's deputy for part of last summer when Haynes was injured.
Haynes' retirement follows coach Matthew Mott's decision to walk away from the all-conquering Australian side earlier this year to take up the job as England's men's white-ball coach.
In turn, she becomes the first member of the team to quit the international game since Alex Blackwell in early 2018.
Australia's selectors have long set their eyes on succession planning, with Lanning (30), Healy (32) and Ellyse Perry (31) having all been part of the team for more than 12 years.
with AAP
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
