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

After making her England debut in the 2003 Ashes tour to Australia, 30-year-old Greenway went on to represent her country a further 224 times, winning 14 Test caps making 126 ODI appearances and playing 85 T20 internationals.

The middle-order batsman hit more than 4,000 international runs and was widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, taking 121 international catches.

During her 13-year England career, Greenway won the Women’s Ashes four times and was also an important part of England’s victorious 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup and ICC Women’s World T20 squads.

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.

“While 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.”

She added: “I feel privileged to have represented England for 13 years and am proud of what I have 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.”