WATCH: Legendary Australia skipper Meg Lanning announces retirement from international Cricket

Star Australia batter and skipper Meg Lanning announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket on Thursday. The 31-year-old legendary cricketer joined the media at the iconic MCG to announce her retirement. Lanning, who made her international debut at the age of 18, has won seven World Cups in her career.

While speaking about her decision Lanning said that she believes this is the best time for her to say farewell. She also said that she is grateful to represent Australia in her favourite sport. "The decision to step away from international cricket was a difficult one to make, but I feel now is the right time for me. I've been incredibly fortunate to enjoy a 13-year international career, but now is the right time for me to move on to something new,” Lanning said.

Watch Meg Lanning's announcement:

Emotional scenes at the MCG as Meg Lanning reflects on a peerless 13-year career in international cricket 🥺 pic.twitter.com/MCdkQcHGXI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 9, 2023

"Team success is why you play the game. I'm proud of what I have been able to achieve and will cherish the moments shared with teammates along the way. I'd like to thank my family, my teammates, Cricket Victoria, Cricket Australia, and the Australian Cricketers' Association for supporting me in playing the game I love at the highest level. I also want to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me throughout my international career,” Lanning further added.

Who will lead Australia in the absence of Meg Lanning?

However, Lanning's decision has left a void in the Australian dressing room. Cricket Australia is currently looking for Lanning's replacement as the team is set to tour India for a multi-format series. Meanwhile, vice-captain Alyssa Healy is currently unavailable due to illness. She is coping with injuries from a dog bite, as she struck one during the ongoing Women's Big Bash League season 9.

It's worth noting that Lanning has represented Australia in all three formats. Since her debut in 2010, she has been part of 241 international games, including six Tests, 103 ODIs, and 132 T20Is. The legendary batter has scored 3405 runs in 132 T20I games at an average of 36.6 and a strike rate of 116.4. In ODI cricket, she has scored 4602 runs at an average of 53.5 and a strike rate of 92.3. As she leaves an illustrious career behind, Australia will need to fill up big shoes soon.