Kent and England batsman Lydia Greenway has announced her retirement from international cricket.

After making her England debut in the first Women’s Ashes Test of the 2003 tour to Australia, Greenway went on to represent her country a further 224 times, comprising 14 Test caps, 126 One-Day International (ODI) appearances and 85 Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

As an innovative middle-order batsman known for her vast array of sweep and reverse-sweep shots, she struck over 4,000 international runs, and was widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, taking a total of 121 international catches.

During her 13 year England career, Greenway won the Women’s Ashes four times, including playing an integral role in the team’s success on home soil in the first multi-format Women’s Ashes in 2013, when she hit a match-winning 80 off only 64 balls to seal a series deciding win in the second T20I at the Ageas Bowl. She was also an important part of England’s victorious 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup and ICC Women’s World T20 squads.

Lydia Greenway said: “During recent discussions with Mark Robinson about his focus on developing new players against Pakistan this summer, it became clear that my involvement with the England team might be limited moving forwards. Whilst in the past I have been in a similar position and have fought for my place, I now feel that at this stage in my life, it’s time to take a step back and retire from international cricket with immediate effect, allowing the next generation of players to develop on the world stage.

“I feel extremely privileged to have represented England for 13 years, and I am very proud of what I have personally achieved during this time. However, the success of the team and the people I have played with is what will make the memories so special. The double World Cup victories in 2009 was an amazing period for the team, and I will be right behind the girls as they pursue another World Cup win on home soil next year.

“I’d like to thank the ECB for getting the women’s game to where it is now, all the coaches I have worked with, my team mates, and most importantly my family and friends for their unconditional support throughout my international career.”

ECB Director of England Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, added: “Lydia has made an immense contribution to the England women’s cricket team over the past 13 years. A member of the 2009 team that lifted two World Cups in the space of six months and a member of the 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2014 Ashes-winning teams, she should be incredibly proud of her numerous contributions to England success.

“With the bat, Lydia has been a match-winner on countless occasions, none more memorable than when she struck the Ashes-winning runs at the Ageas Bowl in 2013. Her 80 not out from 64 balls, in front of a 10,000 strong crowd, was a remarkable innings under pressure.

“For several years, Lydia has been the best fielder in the women’s game. Indeed she took fielding in the women’s game to a new level of athleticism: her sliding, catching and diving stunning audiences, both live and on television. Lydia has played every one of her for 225 games for England with a smile on her face. She has been a model professional, a fantastic role model through her work with Chance to Shine, and a wonderful team member. I wish her every success as she moves in to the next phase of her life.”

Greenway will continue to play domestic cricket, representing the Southern Vipers in the inaugural Kia Super League this summer, alongside playing for Kent in the Royal London Women’s One-Day Championship.