Rolton calls time on illustrious career

Australia's Karen Rolton retires 30 runs short of the all-time ODI scoring mark

Karen Rolton, one of Australia women's most decorated players, has announced her retirement from the international game after a record-breaking 14-year career.

The former Australia captain - who played 14 Tests, 141 one-day and 15 Twenty20 internationals - has finally succumbed to the persistent knee trouble that has plagued her career.

A World Cup winner in 1997 and 2005, Rolton also she shares the record for the most centuries scored by a woman (eight) in ODIs with England’s Claire Taylor.

In an illustrious career, Rolton was the International Cricket Council’s inaugural female player of the year in 2006.

She retires just 30 runs short of the all-time ODI scoring mark (4,844), held by former team-mate Belinda Clark.

“I've been in good form in this year's WNCL competition, but with my ongoing knee problems it would be difficult to perform consistently at the high level needed to play for Australia in international cricket including the ICC World Twenty20,” she said.

“I've thoroughly enjoyed representing Australia but I've decided the time is right to leave the international scene although I plan to still be available at the interstate level.

"I'd like to thank Cricket Australia and my past teammates, family, friends and sponsors for their great support over so many years.”

In Tests Rolton is Australia’s highest run-scorer and holds their record for the highest individual score - 209 not out.

She was also a highly-effective left-arm seamer before knee problems limited her bowling duties. However, she remains third on Australia’s all-time wicket-takers’ list in one-day cricket.