England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has announced her retirement from international cricket due to an ongoing anxiety condition.

Taylor, 30, made her England debut in 2006 and has since earned 226 caps and a reputation as one of the world's best players. 

Legendary Australian keeper Adam Gilchrist even described her as "the best wicketkeeper in the world at the moment - male or female."

In her 13 years on the international circuit she amassed 6,533 runs and finishes her career as England's second highest run-scorer of all time.

She has also been prolific behind the stumps, taking 232 dismissals across all formats - more than any other woman in the history of the game.

"Playing for England and getting to wear the shirt for so long has been a dream come true," said Taylor.

"This has been a tough decision but I know it's the right one, for me and for my health moving forward.

"I can't thank my teammates enough, both past and present, and the ECB for being supporters and friends along my journey," she added.

Her career has spanned across a period of huge change in women's cricket. Reflecting on this she said: "To be right in the thick of women's cricket as it's gone from strength to strength - not only in England, but across the world - has been an amazing experience,

"I can look back on what women's cricket has achieved with great pride at playing some small part in it."

Managing director of ECB Women's cricket, Clare Connor praised Taylor, saying: "Sarah can be immensely proud of everything she has achieved in an England shirt, and of everything she has done for the women's game."

The wicket keeper has been vocal about her battles with mental health, something for which Connor regarded her as a role model, saying "she is someone that young people can look up to, for her achievements and talent on the pitch - but also her bravery and resilience off it.

"She has come through significant adversity and performed on the world stage for her country.

"We are very grateful to Sarah for her contributions to English cricket over the last 13 years," she finished.

Taylor's parting shot read: "I am extremely proud of my career. I leave with my head held high and with excitement for what my future holds and what my next chapter brings."