Charlotte Edwards: Six of the best from a sparkling England career

By Sam Drury

Image: Charlotte Edwards scored over 10,000 in all formats for England

Charlotte Edwards has called time on a stellar international career spanning more than 20 years.

In that time, she hit just shy of 6,000 ODI runs and 2,605 runs in T20 internationals as she captained England with success for 10 years.

Edwards has announced that she is retiring from international cricket

Here, we look back at some of her career highlights...

Test debut

Image: Edwards made her Test debut in July 1996

Aged just 16, Edwards became England's youngest-ever player - a record later beaten by team-mate Holly Colvin - as she made her Test debut against New Zealand at Guildford in July 1996. Opening the batting alongside Janette Brittin, the teenager equipped herself well and made scores of 34 and 31 as the match finished in a draw.

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Highest ODI score

Image: Edwards (left) hit an unbeaten 173 agianst Ireland in the 1997 World Cup

The following year, and just a day shy of her 18th birthday, Edwards made the headlines again, this time at the World Cup in India. The England opener smashed a then-record ODI score of 173 not out in just 155 balls, a knock that included 19 boundaries. It helped England to set an imposing total of 324-3 from 50 overs before skittling Ireland for just 116.

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Top Test knock

Image: Edwards made her highest Test score of 117 against New Zealand in 2004

In 23 Tests for England, Edwards averaged 44.10 and managed four centuries. Her highest score though came back in 2004 against New Zealand. After England had bowled the visitors out for 215, the opener put on 163 for the first wicket with Laura Newton, before another couple of quick wickets left England 189-3. Edwards remained though and anchored the innings, eventually reaching her ton off 218 balls. She was finally dismissed for 117 as England were bowled out for 285 and the match ended in a draw.

Ashes success

Image: Edwards (centre) captained England to Ashes success in 2009

Having taken over as permanent England captain in 2006, Edwards became the first skipper to help the women's side retain the Ashes in Australia for 39 years, in the 2007/08 series. The urn was retained again in 2009 and after the Aussies gained revenge in 2010/11, Edwards ensured England hit back at the first opportunity. After a slow start, England stepped up their game to coast to victory on home soil in the 2013 series, the first to be decided on a points system. Edwards led them to victory again in Australia in 2013/14.

World Cup win

Image: Charlotte Edwards leads the 2009 World Cup celebrations

In a career laden with success, Edwards hit new heights in 2009 as she captained England to victory, not only in the Ashes but also in the 50-over World Cup. England were dominant in Australia, losing just once before beating New Zealand by four wickets in the final, while Edwards' performances earned her a place in the team of the tournament - and she was also named captain of the XI.

World T20 triumph

Image: Edwards lifts the trophy as her team celebrate victory in the Women's World Twenty20

There was more success to come in 2009 in the form of the World T20. England won all five of their matches on home soil, including a semi-final victory over Australia and a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the final. Edwards was again instrumental, scoring 139 runs in the tournament to again take her place at the top of the order in the team of the tournament.

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