Cricket: White Ferns skipper says it's time to go

Haidee Tiffen. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand captain Haidee Tiffen's decision to retire from international cricket was not an easy one, she said yesterday.

Tiffen's decision came after she led New Zealand to second place at the recent women's World Cup in Australia.

"I have not taken this decision lightly - it's something I've been thinking about for a while now."

Tiffen made her international debut against South Africa in the 1998-99 season aged 19, then developed into one of the best all-rounders in the game.

The Christchurch teacher said she had experienced some wonderful highs and "gut wrenching" lows over the years.

"To wear the White Fern and to represent Canterbury for the past 10 years has been a huge privilege, especially having the opportunity to captain both my province and the national team."

Tiffen said New Zealand's World Cup win in 2000 on home soil was a highlight of her career.

"But it was also a thrill to lead the team to the final in the 2009 tournament.

"The team has developed so well and we gave it everything - it was a good time to bow out."

Tiffen played 117 international one-dayers, averaging 30.72 with the bat and took 49 wickets at an average of 19.48. She also played two tests and nine international Twenty20s.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said Tiffen could be proud of her outstanding record as a player and a leader.

- NZPA