Katey Martin, a 21-year veteran of the New Zealand Women’s cricket team, announced her retirement on Wednesday. The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman played in 103 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 95 T20 Internationals (T20Is), and one Test for New Zealand, falling just one shy of 200 appearances.
“It’s been a life-changing experience. I’d want to express my gratitude to all of my teammates, coaches, opponents, fans, and friends for making my time in cricket so unforgettable, “Martin cited in a New Zealand Cricket statement.
“I’d also want to express my gratitude to New Zealand Cricket, the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, and Otago Cricket for their unwavering support throughout my career,” she said.
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“From leaving Dunedin as a teenager to join the NZC Academy in Christchurch, to traversing the globe as a White Fern and representing my nation – cricket has given me my life,” Martin said.
She also expressed appreciation to her parents for their unwavering support.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to have a supportive family. Dad came to India for my debut in 2003 and has been a constant presence around the boundary ropes, “she remarked.
“I’ve been blessed to have them on this adventure with me is an understatement,” Martin said. “Both Mum and Dad took a campervan throughout the North Island for the recent Women’s World Cup – to say I’ve been lucky to have them on this journey with me is an understatement.”
Martin confessed that she had almost made up her mind before New Zealand’s last match in the Women’s World Cup against Pakistan earlier this year.
“I was pretty emotional going into that match because I knew it may be my final time playing for New Zealand,” she added. “I spoke to family and friends after the competition to reinforce my choice before making it public today.”
Martin made her international debut against India in a Test match in 2003. Later on the same trip, she made her ODI debut at Brabourne Stadium.
In 2008, she made her T20I debut against Australia Women.
She scored 1793 runs in ODIs and 996 runs in T20Is. In 50-over cricket, she took 63 catches and effected 19 stumpings, while in T20I cricket, she took 33 catches and effected 24 stumpings.
