New Zealand’s Lauren Down quits cricket at 30

New Zealand’s Lauren Down quits cricket at 30 (Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Middle-order batter Lauren Down has confirmed her retirement from all forms of cricket. Down, who represented New Zealand Women across 48 matches in white-ball cricket and scored more than 500 runs, has opted to step away from her professional career after making her international debut in 2018 against the West Indies.

Back in 2023, Down had opted out of New Zealand Cricket’s annual central contract list to look after her first child but returned for the next season. Having last played for the White Ferns in an ODI against Australia in 2024, she marks an end to a storied international career of six years.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) made the announcement of Down’s cricketing retirement official via a media release on Thursday, February 19.

“I have loved my time being part of the White Ferns group and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have represented my country. I will miss being around the girls, but I’m now looking forward to watching on from the sidelines and seeing what this group is able to achieve,” she said in an official statement via NZC.

A huge part of my cricket career has been in the Auckland set up and I cannot thank Auckland Cricket, my coaches and team mates enough for the part they have played in my journey,” she added.

Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach and former cricketer Ben Sawyer also reflected on Down’s cricketing career and applauded her for managing her cricketing career along with a child, serving dual responsibilities.

“Lauren has been a fantastic team person and has always given her all in the White Ferns environment. It’s a testament to her dedication and commitment to her game that she was able to go away to welcome her first child and then return to the level of international cricket so quickly. It’s a testament to her dedication and commitment to her game that she was able to go away to welcome her first child and then return to the level of international cricket so quickly,” head coach Ben Sawyer said.

“Lauren has been a valued member of the White Ferns and has always demonstrated the values of our team both inside and outside the environment. I want to thank Lauren for the contributions she has made to both the White Ferns and Auckland Cricket and wish her and her family all the very best for the future,” Sawyer added.

Lauren Down Career Stats