Ireland cricket: Arlene Kelly to retire from professional cricket and return to New Zealand

All-rounder Arlene Kelly has announced her retirement from all forms of professional cricket at the conclusion of Ireland's one-day international series with England.

Her final game will be on Sunday in Worcester with Ireland trailing the three-game series 2-0.

The 32-year-old made her international debut against South Africa in June 2022 after moving to Ireland from her native New Zealand.

She played 110 times for Ireland with her tally of 135 wickets only bettered for the side by Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.

Kelly also scored over 600 runs for Ireland with high scores of 35 in both T20s and ODIs.

"It's been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I've been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field," said Kelly.

"However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends."

"This has been a very special changing room to be a part of, and I know that this group is capable of achieving so much. I will be actively following and supporting the team from the other side of the boundary boards."

Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis said they could not have imagined "just how important" Kelly would become for the side.

"Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years," she said.

"She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don't think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.

"We know how difficult it has been for her being so far away from her family for such a long time. Although we're going to miss her hugely, we're really happy for her to be heading home and being closer to the people she loves."

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