England's Taylor retires

LONDON (AP):

Claire Taylor, the first woman to be named one of Wisden's cricketers of the year, has retired a day after helping England win a women's quadrangular tournament with Australia, India and New Zealand.

For leading England to victory in the World Cup and World Twenty20 in 2009, Taylor was chosen by Wisden, named ICC Woman Cricketer of the Year, and received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.

Since her England debut in 1998, Taylor has played in 15 Tests, 126 one-day internationals and 27 Twenty20s, winning two World Cups. She holds the highest ODI score at Lord's for a man or woman, 156 not out against India in 2006.

The 38-year-old says "it's the right time mentally and physically for me to step away.''

Clare Connor, the head of England women's cricket, says: "Claire has earned the respect of all who have played with her, against her, or who have had the pleasure of watching her.''