England all-rounder Jenny Gunn said retiring from international cricket was ‘one of the hardest decisions’ of her career as she turns her focus to the domestic game.

Gunn, 33, has not been short of success in her 15-year international career, winning the World Cup in 2009 and 2017 and being part of five Ashes-winning sides.  

Gunn, who became the first player to play one hundred T20 matches in 2018, is England’s second-most capped player having made 259 appearances for her country, Charlotte Edwards (309) being the only player to have represented England Women more times.

“I have made one of the hardest decisions and decided the time has come to retire from international cricket,” she said.

“I started as a young kid playing the game I loved for fun and I could only dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

Gunn – whose father Bryn was part of the Nottingham Forest side that won the European Cup in 1979-80 – played 11 Tests, 144 ODIs and 104 T20Is after debuting in 2004.

She played a crucial hand in England’s home World Cup win in 2017, conceding just 17 runs from her seven overs in the semi-final against South Africa at Lord’s.

"I've been lucky enough to play in some great teams and to be part of some amazing battles over the years,” she added.

"As a small girl I always said I wanted to put a World Cup medal next to my dad's European Cup winner's medal and there are now three of them next to his medal on the mantelpiece!

“I’m so grateful for the support throughout my career and I couldn’t have done it without my friends, but most of all, I couldn’t have done it without my family, all of whom have been there for me every step of the way.”

Clare Connor, Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, added: “Jenny has been the most tremendous servant to England Women's cricket throughout the 15 years she has played for England.” 

"Her longevity, work ethic, and commitment have been hugely impressive across both the amateur and professional eras and on countless occasions, she has delivered match-winning performances for the team with both bat and ball.

"Jenny has been an exceptional role model for our sport and we are so grateful for everything she has done. Very few international cricketers have carried themselves with so much humility and shown such care for her team-mates as Jenny. She will be very missed by players and staff alike."