'Unfortunately not getting any younger'- Sophie Devine on retirement thoughts during her break from cricket

New Zealand Women's all-rounder Sophie Devine sets her sights on 50 over World Cup and also opened up on thoughts of retirement ahead of her comeback in international cricket after a long break she had taken due to mental health.  

There is no doubt that Devine is currently one of the biggest stars in Women's cricket for New Zealand where she has given some incredible performances in both the white ball formats. Devine was last seen in the T20 World Cup in UAE last season where she led the New Zealand Women's side to victory during the tournament. Devine is set to make her return in the series against Australia where she openly revealed that there were thoughts of retirements running on her mind bringing up the age factor but has said she is focused on enjoying every day playing for the Kiwis. 

“Completely honest? Yep. Certainly. To be able to have to process through a few of those things, obviously, I'm unfortunately not getting any younger, so they naturally sort of came into mind. But for me, yeah, look, just really excited to be here, just going to be focusing on each day as it comes and just really enjoying every day with the White Ferns,” Devine told the reporters as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

“I've been playing cricket for a very long time and probably looking ahead in terms of what am I going to do when my time does come to hang up the boots, those opportunities are still something that really excites me, being able to go overseas and play in franchise cricket, but most importantly, it's to play for the White Ferns. We've got a pretty big World Cup coming up later this year, which - all going well - hopefully I'll be at,” Devine added. 

Speaking of the T20I series against Australia where Devine will be making her return. The series will be played at home once again and will feature three games with the first game to be played at Eden Park in Auckland on March 21, the second game to be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on March 23, and the last and final game will be at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.