The captaincy came early in Meg Lanning’s career. She was 21 in 2014 when she was handed the keys that opened the door to Australia’s dominance. The responsibility was placed on those shoulders when she was a young batter just beginning to master the women’s game. Perhaps that’s why when she announced her retirement from the international arena, while still only 31 years old, she felt a sense of relief wash over her.

Ever since I made the decision, I’ve felt a little bit of relief, Lanning said Thursday, but noted that she was