Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars contracted player and Konica Milnolta Queensland Fire player Melissa Bulow has today announced her retirement from international cricket.
She will still continue to play domestic cricket for the Queensland Fire in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL).
Bulow made her international debut in 2003 in an ODI against India. She went on to play for Australia in two Tests, 19 ODIs and two T20 internationals.
Bulow returned to the WNCL last season after a 12-month hiatus and was added to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars 2012-13 squad after a fantastic T20 season for the Queensland Fire where she was the leading runs scorer, scoring 505 runs at an average of 50.5.
She has won the Fire Player of the Year four times and was the WNCL Player of the Year in 2006-07.
Bulow said the decision to retire from international cricket did not come easy.
“I have had a wonderful career playing for Australia and have made some amazing memories and friendships along the way. I still love playing cricket but feel now was the right time to step away from international duties. My passion and focus for the game is still there and look forward to continuing the domestic season with the Fire.
“I would really like thank the coaches, selectors and support staff that have helped me through the years, their guidance has been invaluable,” Bulow said.
Women’s National Selection Panel (WNSP) Chair Julie Savage said: “Mel returned to the Southern Stars squad, after a period out of the game, on the strength of some outstanding domestic form, so the WNSP are pleased that despite Mel's retirement from international cricket, she will still don the maroon colours for Queensland Fire.”
Bulow was scheduled to play in the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars Series against New Zealand emerging players starting tomorrow (Wednesday) in Sydney but has now been replaced by NSW’s Sarah Coyte.
First Posted 13 November, 2012 11:24AM AEST
