Sarah Andrews celebrates another wicket for NSW during the 2009/10 WNCL Final.

Sports Shoot / Delly Carr

One of NSW and Australia’s leading female cricketers, Sarah Andrews, has announced her retirement from the game after helping the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars retain the Rose Bowl Trophy against New Zealand.

Andrews, 28, told her team-mates of her decision to retire shortly after Australia defeated New Zealand by six wickets in a One-Day International at Invercargill on Sunday (March 7).

“I've been playing representative cricket for the last 10 years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It has been a big part of my life so this was always going to be a very tough decision. However I've been carrying some niggling injuries over the last couple of seasons and I've always wanted to retire at the top of my game. I feel that time is now,” said Andrews.

“I am going to miss it a lot, especially my team mates and all the characters within the game. I have a lot of fond memories of cricket and it's been great to be part of so many successful teams.

“There are a lot of people I need to thank for helping me achieve what I have. I've had some great coaches during my career, going back to my early days in Newcastle, right through to NSW and Australian level. My family, friends and team mates have always been very supportive, as have Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia.”

Originally from Newcastle, Andrews leaves cricket as one of the premier female fast bowlers in Australia, and also one of the top 10 bowlers in the world.

Andrews first represented NSW during the 2001/02 season. She went on to play 83 National League matches for the Breakers taking 89 wickets at an average of 22.33, with best figures of 5-16.

She also played 11 domestic Twenty20 matches taking 11 wickets at 16.36 with best figures of 2-8.

Andrews made her International debut in February 2006 against India, going on to play three Test matches, 39 One Day Internationals and 16 Twenty20 Internationals.

After being dropped from the team in October 2008, she fought back to win selection in the Australian teams for the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup in Sydney, and the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup in England.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive, David Gilbert, congratulated Andrews on her outstanding contribution to the game:

“Sarah Andrews has been an excellent performer for NSW and she will be a great loss for the Breakers. Her dedication was never more evident than when she first played for NSW and used to drive from Newcastle to the SCG, and back, several times a week just for training,” said Mr Gilbert.

“Cricket NSW congratulates Sarah on a wonderful career for both her State and Country. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

NSW captain, Lisa Sthalekar, said Andrews would be sorely missed by her team mates.

“Sarah has been a great player for NSW. Her drive and enthusiasm for the game rubbed off on everyone around her and she remains a great role model for young female fast bowlers coming up through NSW,” said Sthalekar.

“It is sad to think that we will not have her humour and passion around the dressing rooms anymore, however her team mates and I thank Sarah for everything she has brought to the Breakers on and off the field over the years, and wish her all the best for the future.”

NSW Breakers Head Coach, Richard Bates, also paid tribute to his opening bowler.

“Sarah has made a fantastic contribution to the success of the Breakers over the years. She has been a great competitor on the field and has also been an excellent role model to the younger players coming through the ranks,” he said.

“Sarah won’t have taken this decision lightly. It’s always tough knowing when to call it a day and Sarah certainly is finishing at the top her game after a very good season for the Breakers and Australia.”

Sarah Andrews’ Statistics

NSW

State Debut: vs South Australia, 3 November 2001, North Dalton Park Wollongong

83 National League Matches (50 over)
89 wickets at 22.33 (9th on the list of all time leading National League wicket takers)
Best Bowling 5-16 (8th best figures in the history of National League)

11 Domestic Twenty20 Matches
11 wickets at 16.36
Best Bowling 2-8

Australia

Test Debut: vs India, 18 February 2006, Adelaide Oval
ODI Debut: vs India, 26 February 2006, Adelaide Oval
Twenty20 Debut: vs New Zealand, 18 October 2006, Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Tests: 3 matches, 4 wickets at 33.75, Best Bowling 2-29
One Day Internationals: 39 matches, 54 wickets at 21.14, Best Bowling 4-50
Twenty20 International: 16 matches, 10 wickets at 36.80, Best Bowling 3-16

Currently 10th in the ICC ODI Women’s Rankings (released 2 March 2010)