WHITE FERNS and Otago Sparks all-rounder Morna Nielsen has announced her retirement from all forms of cricket.
Nielsen enjoyed a long and successful international career from 2010-2016 where she played 52 ODIs and 44 T20Is, taking over 50 wickets in the one-day format.
She started her domestic career with the Northern Spirit in 2007 and leaves having spent over a decade playing with both the Spirit and Sparks.
“Looking back on my career it was awesome to have the opportunity to play at so many different places both domestically and internationally and to do so with people who are now lifelong friends,” she said.
Notable achievements included Nielsen’s rise to the number one ranked T20I bowler in 2014, as well as her record breaking return of 4-0-4-0 in the 2016 World T20 against Australia, breaking the record for the most economical performance ever in women’s T20.
“It was also an interesting time to be involved with the changing landscape of the women’s game. It opened up opportunities I never thought possible such as the Women’s Big Bash in Australia and Kia Super League in England,” she said.
WHITE FERNS Head Coach Haidee Tiffen said Nielsen was a valuable team member who will be missed.
“Morna was extremely hard working and always willing to adapt and change as the game did. She can be proud of her career with the WHITE FERNS and we wish her every success in life after cricket,” Tiffen said.
Otago Sparks Head Coach Nathan King said Nielsen made an outstanding contribution to the team both on and off the field.
“She was a very talented, thoughtful and loyal team member who will be extremely difficult to replace in the Sparks environment. We thank her for all her contributions and wish her all the very best in life after cricket,” King said.
Nielsen worked as a structural engineer while playing cricket and is eager to get stuck into her career full-time.
“A big thanks must go to my work - BCD Group. They have been so supportive of my cricketing endeavours and now it’s time to get stuck into actually doing some work!
“I’ll still be keeping a keen eye on the Sparks in their domestic competitions. There’s an enormous amount of talent in the squad and they are a great bunch of girls,” she said.
