New Zealand, Feb 19 : New Zealand batter Lauren Down has announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year career at the age of 30.
Down represented the New Zealand women’s national cricket team in 35 One-Day Internationals and 13 T20 Internationals since making her debut in 2018. Her call up followed consistent performances in domestic cricket for the Auckland Hearts, where she became one of the side’s most accomplished players.
Debuting for Auckland in 2011, Down went on to feature in 202 matches across List A and T20 formats. She finished as the Hearts’ third-highest appearance maker and ranked among their leading run scorers in both formats, amassing 1,496 T20 runs and 2,690 List A runs. Earlier in her career, she also contributed with the ball, claiming 41 wickets.
Reflecting on her journey, Down expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and credited Auckland Cricket, teammates and coaches for shaping her career.
She played a key role in five Hallyburton Johnstone Shield title victories, including a standout 90 in the 2019-20 final that secured a 67-run win over Northern Districts at Seddon Park.
Her international debut came during a narrow ODI win over the West Indies in Lincoln in 2018. Injury setbacks ruled her out of the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Commonwealth Games that year, but she returned to international action later in 2022 and was named in the squad for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
After opting out of a central contract in 2023-24 to welcome her first child, Down rejoined the setup the following season and toured England and India in 2024. Her final appearance for New Zealand came in an ODI against Australia at the Cello Basin Reserve.
Beyond domestic and international commitments, she also featured for the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League and had playing stints in the United Kingdom.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer praised Down’s dedication and resilience, highlighting her seamless return to top-level cricket after maternity leave.
The Lauren Down retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by consistency, adaptability and significant contributions to both Auckland and the White Ferns.