New Zealand batter Lauren Down has announced her retirement from international cricket, bringing an eight-year-long career with the White Ferns to a close. The 30-year-old middle-order batter last featured for New Zealand in December 2024, playing an ODI against Australia, while her most recent T20I appearance came two years earlier in December 2022. Down confirmed her decision through a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, expressing gratitude for her time at the international level. "I have loved my time being part of the White Ferns group, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have represented my country,""I will miss being around the girls, but I'm now looking forward to watching on from the sidelines, and seeing what this group is able to achieve." Domestic Career and Auckland Contributions A consistent presence in domestic cricket, Down represented Auckland throughout her career. She made her domestic debut in 2011 in a T20 match against Canterbury and went on to play 202 matches for Auckland, split evenly between List A and T20 formats. Her domestic numbers place her third on Auckland’s all-time T20 run-scorers list with 1,496 runs and fourth in List A cricket with 2,690 runs. Down was part of five Hallyburton Johnstone Shield title-winning campaigns. Her most notable contribution came in the 2019–20 final, where she scored 90 to guide Auckland to victory over Northern Districts. Reflecting on her domestic journey, she said: "A huge part of my cricket career has been in the Auckland set up, and I cannot thank Auckland Cricket, my coaches and team-mates enough for the part they have played in my journey." International Record and Team Recognition Down made her international debut in March 2018 in an ODI against West Indies in Lincoln. Over the course of her career, she featured in 35 ODIs and 13 T20Is for New Zealand. She scored 486 ODI runs at an average of 16.75 and added 93 runs in T20Is at an average of 13.28. New Zealand Women’s head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged her commitment to the team environment. "Lauren has been a fantastic team person, and has always given her all in the White Ferns environment. It's a testament to her dedication and commitment to her game that she was able to go away to welcome her first child, and then return to the level of international cricket so quickly." Down had opted out of a central contract for the 2023–24 season before returning for 2024–25. Her final international appearance came in the third ODI against Australia at the Basin Reserve, marking the end of her international chapter.