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A sentimental Meg Lanning claims that she had been
considering quitting international cricket for some time after realising she
could no longer give it her best to fulfil the requirements of playing for
Australia.
On Thursday, Lanning, 31, shockingly announced that
she would be leaving her position as an international cricket player, effective
immediately. She claimed that although she had been considering the choice for
eighteen months, she had just been aware of it in her own mind during the past
48 hours.
Lanning has made a name for herself with her piercing
look during her sparkling career, so it was startling to see her clearly shaken
and in tears on Thursday while speaking to the media outside the MCG in front
of a small group of close friends and family.
After struggling to find the drive to continue playing
after a 13-year international career, the five-time World Cup-winning captain
claimed that her 18-month hiatus from the game due to two prolonged playing
breaks for various reasons had made it easier for her to walk away.
“I’ve come to the realisation that I’ve probably
been trying to convince myself a little bit over the last 18 months why I
should keep playing and what it is that I want to achieve,” Lanning said.
“I’m not someone who can do things half-in
half-out. I’ve battled away a little bit trying to work all that out. But it
sort of became quite clear, particularly over the last couple of days that this
was the right call and what I’m ready for.
“Since I’ve made the decision I’ve certainly felt
a little bit relieved, I guess, to have made a call and be a little bit clearer
on what the next little bit looks like.”
She has also been retained by Delhi Capitals for next
year’s WPL and will play in that tournament at this stage. “I’ll continue
playing domestically and I’ve got contracts with some teams so I’ll keep going
with that,” Lanning said. “I haven’t thought too far ahead to be
honest.