Anya Shrubsole gives up trying to catch up, but will always be at the head of the pack

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

England seam-bowling great knew the time was right to step away

Valkerie Baynes15-Apr-2022In the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup, one passage of play was broadcast on loop, in England at least. It was Anya Shrubsole’s match-winning performance at Lord’s in 2017 as the hosts defeated India in the final to lift the trophy. Upon taking the final wicket – Shrubsole claimed a tournament final record 6 for 46 – she runs down the pitch, arms outstretched and looking skyward in triumph, shouting “yeeeeesssss!” Even to a neutral observer, it doesn’t get old: the exhilaration, the excitement, the undeniable warmth of feeling towards someone who had played a blinder.But, in the aftermath of England’s failed title defence against Australia less than a fortnight ago, another series of images endures. With England nine wickets down and still needing 79, Shrubsole joins centurion Nat Sciver in the middle. When she sends the fourth ball she faces high into the air towards mid-off, Ash Gardner claims a comfortable catch, letting out a jubilant scream at the precise moment you can see – even feel – the hot pinprick of tears appear in Shrubsole’s eyes. By the time the camera pans back, Shrubsole has pulled her helmet so low over her face she has almost achieved her aim of disappearing, although the burning flush of emotion is still visible on what little skin you can see.It was to be her last moment on the world stage that, in her words, had delivered “many ups and downs” in an illustrious 14-year career.On reflection, as she stood there seemingly frozen in time, Australian players haring around on fast-forward to congratulate each other, Shrubsole’s reason for announcing her international retirement on Thursday, sounds apt: “To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away.”Shrubsole can’t hide her disappointment as Australia claim the World Cup•ICC via Getty ImagesNot that this particular game had got away from her personally. Shrubsole had been the pick of England’s bowlers, taking 3 for 46 against an Australia side led by their indomitable top three with Alyssa Healy’s 170 the highlight. The fact that Shrubsole’s haul was half that of her effort five years prior served as another reminder of the gulf that now exists between Australia and the rest of the world.There were to be more tears as she and Sciver trudged into the comforting arms of their team-mates and, after Shrubsole announced her retirement, the tributes flowed too. Many used the hashtag #ThankYouAnya to express their gratitude on Twitter less than 24 hours before another of England cricket’s great servants, Joe Root, resigned as Test captain.