Ebony Rainford-Brent Announces International Retirement

Ebony Rainford-Brent Announces International Retirement

Ebony Rainford-Brent has retired from international cricket

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England's Ebony Rainford-Brent has announced her retirement from international cricket having played 22 One-Day Internationals and seven Twenty20 Internationals.

Her career was twice interrupted and severely threatened by back injuries, which limited the 28-year-old to a relative handful of appearances at the top level.

She made her debut for an England Women's Development XI in 2001, made her full international debut in 2007 and was part of the 2009 squads that won the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia and the ICC Women's World Twenty20 on home soil.

"I feel it is the right time for me to retire from international cricket. It’s time now for me to concentrate on my career and next phase of my life away from the international game," Rainford-Brent said.

"Being able to represent England has been a huge honour, especially after overcoming career threatening injuries. There was a time when I wasn’t sure I would be able to play cricket again, so I will always treasure the memories of playing for my country and being part of the outstanding 2009 squad.

"I would like to thank all my fellow England players, the support staff and everyone behind the scenes who have made it possible for me to play cricket on the international stage. I feel privileged to have played alongside some of the best players in the world, including Claire Taylor, whose achievements, dedication and discipline taught me a lot on and off the field and often inspired me to continue.

"I am so grateful for the support of my family and Surrey Cricket, in particular Gareth Townsend and Jeremy Greaves who nurtured my cricketing ability.

"I will continue to play for Surrey in the women’s county league and wish England Women the best of luck for the future.”

Head of England Women’s Cricket Clare Connor added: "Ebony has been one the great characters within the England women's set-up over the past five years. Her positivity, energy and resilience in the face of injury have added huge value to the England environment.  Ebony should be proud of everything she has achieved on and off the pitch, most notably being a member of the double World Cup winning squad of 2009.

"Ebony has also been an inspiration to the hundreds of young girls she has coached through the Chance to Shine scheme and other inner-city London coaching initiatives. I'm sure the game will continue to enjoy her passion and enthusiasm as a result of her work with The Lord's Taverners."

In her 22 ODIs for her country, she scored 377 runs with two half-centuries, also taking two wickets and her seven Twenty20 appearances gathered her 53 runs.

© Cricket World 2012