Lisa Keightley retires from international cricket
Australian Test and one-day international player Lisa Keightley has retired from international cricket following a seven year career at the highest level.
Keightley, 31, played seven Tests and 54 one-day internationals for Australia after making her international debut against New Zealand at Wanganui in 1994-95.
The New South Wales batter is one of Australia's most accomplished female players, scoring 362 Test runs at an average of 36.20, as well as 1827 one-day international runs at 44.56 – the third highest by an Australian female player.
One of Keightley's most notable achievements came in 1998 against England at Lord's, when she scored the first century (113*) by a female player at the historic ground.
Australian Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland acknowledged Keightley's record and contribution to international cricket.
"Lisa has been an outstanding player for Australia over a number of years and has been a wonderful ambassador for women's cricket in this country.
"The ACB congratulates her on a tremendous career at the international level and we wish her success as she continues to play with her state side, the New South Wales Institute of Sport Blues (NSWIS)," said Mr Sutherland.
Keightley said the decision was a difficult one, but the time was right to make the transition.
"My aim was to play through to the World Cup in 2005, but that's still two seasons away and at the moment, that just feels a little too far," said Keightley.
"I know the time is right for me to step aside and provide an opportunity for a young player to come through and give them the chance to fully prepare for the World Cup and beyond.
"It was a dream to play for Australia and I'll always look back on my career with great memories, but I am comfortable with my decision and look forward to concentrating on my state career with the NSWIS Blues," she said.
Australian women's captain and long-time team mate Belinda Clark paid tribute to Keightley's international career.
"Lisa has been a fantastic player for Australia. Her record speaks for itself and her valuable contribution to the game at this level will certainly be remembered and respected," said Clark.
"She always played a natural, free-flowing game and her experience and leadership within the team will be missed.
"We would have liked to have her with us for the upcoming tri-nation tournament and the Ashes Tests, but we respect the decision she has made."
Keightley will continue to play a role in developing Australia's young female cricketers through her work as the Female High Performance Coordinator with Cricket New South Wales.
Lisa Keightley's career at a glance
Born: 26 August 1971
Right-hand bat
Tests
Debut: v New Zealand, Christchurch, 1994-95
Matches: 7
Runs: 362
100s: 0
50s: 3
Highest score: 90 v England, Harrogate, 1998
Batting average: 36.20
One-day internationals
Debut: v New Zealand, Wanganui, 1994-95
Matches: 54
Runs: 1827
100s: 3
50s: 13
Highest score: 156* v Pakistan, Melbourne, 1997
Batting average: 44.56
International achievements
© 2002 Australian Cricket Board
| Related Link | Women's Cricket |
| Teams | Australia. |
| First Class Teams | New South Wales. |
| Players/Umpires | Lisa Keightley, James Sutherland, Belinda Clark. |
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