Rene Farrell calls time on ODI career
Rene Farrell, the Australia Women right-arm seamer, has announced her retirement from One-Day International cricket effective immediately, Cricket Australia said on Thursday (April 20).
Farrell will continue to be available for selection in Australia's Test and Twenty20 International squads, and will continue to play domestic cricket for Lendlease Breakers in New South Wales, Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League and the Surrey Stars in England’s Super League.
Farrell, 30, who is famous for her prodigious swing, played 44 ODIs and scalped 42 wickets at an average of 30.78. Her best bowling figures were 3 for 17 against Sri Lanka. She was also a handy lower-order batter, scoring 182 runs at an average of 18.20, with a highest score of 31 not out.
"With preparations about to begin ahead of this year’s World Cup, the time felt right for me to retire from one-day cricket for Australia," said Farrell, about the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 that will take place in England in June-July this year. "I’ve had mixed fortunes in this format over the last few years and I no longer feel I can give what is required to compete at this level.
“It was an honour to be a part of the ICC Women's Championship and to be part of the inaugural winning side is something I regard as very special in my ODI career,” she added, about winning the inaugural ICC Women’s Championship with Australia finishing on 36 points, well clear of England Women’s 29.
"I still have the desire to represent Australia in the T20 and Test arenas and look forward to spending more time with the NSW Breakers and taking on more of a mentoring role to help our up and coming players progress to the next level,” she added. "I'd like to wish all teams the very best of luck for the World Cup and I know that that those picked to represent Australia will do us proud."
Having made her debut in 2007, Farell was part of Australia's 2009 World Cup team, where they finished fourth, and played a vital role in the team's 2010 and 2014 ICC Women's World T20 triumphs. She missed being part of the ICC Women's World Cup winning side in 2013, having taken a break from the game in early 2011, before returning after three years in 2014.
"Rene has been a wonderful contributor to Australia cricket and has played a key role in the success of the Australian ODI team for a long time," said Shawn Flegler, the national selector. "I’d like to thank Rene for her contribution to the team and look forward to watching her continue her career at both an international and national level."