World Cup star Nicky Shaw retires

Nicky Shaw, the England fast-bowler, has retired from international cricket at the age of 28.

Shaw was the Player of the Match in the 2009 World Cup final for taking 4 for 34 to help England defeat New Zealand in Sydney. It was the highlight of a career that brought 46 wickets in 70 ODIs, in addition to 11 wickets in five Tests.

"Whilst I have enjoyed my time playing, I feel it is now time to retire from the international game ahead of my move to Australia," she explained. Isa Guha replaced her for the ODI series against New Zealand which began on Saturday.

Shaw made her debut in 1999 aged 17 and also featured in England's Ashes-winning side in 2008 and the team that won the World Twenty20 at Lord's last year.

Yet the 50-over World Cup final was her dream performance as she only came into the side as a late replacement when Jenny Gunn suffered a calf injury on the morning of the match. Her four wickets helped England sink New Zealand and take the title. "I started the day crying, and I finished the day crying," she said.