Ireland's Kelly retires from international cricket

All-rounder Arlene Kelly has announced her retirement from all forms of professional cricket.

Her final game came in Worcester on Sunday as England beat Ireland by a commanding 114 runs to seal an emphatic 3-0 one-day international series win.

It was Kelly's 110th international and she took her 136th and final wicket when Ryana MacDonald-Gay was caught by Cara Murray off her bowling.

As Ireland's reply to England's total of 291 faltered, Kelly faced only six deliveries and was out for two.

The 32-year-old made her international debut against South Africa in June 2022 after moving to Ireland from her native New Zealand.

Only Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany have taken more wickets for Ireland than Kelly, while she also scored 603 international runs with high scores of 35 in both T20s and ODIs.

"It's been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I've been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field," said Kelly.

"However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends."

"This has been a very special changing room to be a part of, and I know that this group is capable of achieving so much. I will be actively following and supporting the team from the other side of the boundary boards."

Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis said they could not have imagined "just how important" Kelly would become for the side.

"Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years," she said.

"She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don't think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.

"We know how difficult it has been for her being so far away from her family for such a long time. Although we're going to miss her hugely, we're really happy for her to be heading home and being closer to the people she loves."