Ireland All-Rounder Kevin O’Brien Announces Retirement From International Cricket
Ireland All-Rounder Kevin O’Brien amassed a total of 9,048 runs for Ireland, which included the country’s maiden hundred in a test match.
Credit – https://www.thehindu.com/
Kevin O’Brien, an all-rounder for Ireland, made the decision to retire from international cricket on August 16, as it became clear that he would not be participating in the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia this year.
During his 16-year international career, O’Brien participated in three tests, 153 one-day internationals, and 110 Twenty20 Internationals. Additionally, he spent time with a number of English county teams and Twenty20 franchise sides around the world. O’Brien’s career ended with three Tests.
The 38-year-old batsman notably led Ireland to win over England in a World Cup group match in India in 2011. He did it by scoring a century off of just 50 balls, which is still the quickest century scored in tournament history.
The Dubliner finished his international career with a total of 9,048 runs scored for Ireland, including the country’s maiden Test hundred, a knock of 118 not out in the second innings against Pakistan in 2018, and 276 wickets taken.
O’Brien, who for many years played alongside his older brother Niall, made the announcement of his retirement from international cricket via a message posted on Twitter. He added, “Today I announce my retirement from international cricket after 16 years and 389 caps for my country.”
Statements
“I had hoped to complete my career at the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, but because I haven’t been named for the Irish squad since the World Cup last year, I feel the selectors and management are looking elsewhere.” “I had hoped to finish my career at the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.”
“During my time playing for Ireland, I was fortunate enough to meet a lot of people who became my friends off the field, and I have a lot of wonderful memories to look back on as a result of my time spent with the national team.”
Andrew Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland, stated that he considered himself “fortunate” to have played with O’Brien.
“Cricket in this country owes a lot to what Kev achieved on and off the field, and he has left the game in a better place,” he stated after Kev’s retirement. “He has left the game in a better place.”
O’Brien has given every indication that he intends to advance his coaching career.
He stated, “I have some great chances coming up in the near future, and I want to continue to expand my own coaching academy here in Ireland.” “I want to continue to grow my own coaching academy here in Ireland.”
“I also want to continue to get coaching experience internationally, and I hope that in the near future I will have more possibilities with some international and professional sides.”
“It’s hard to put into words the influence that Kevin has had on our game in Ireland,” said Andrew White, chairman of the national men’s selectors, who stated, “It’s hard to put into words the impact that Kevin has had on our game.”
“Throughout all of the wonderful and defining moments that have occurred over the course of the past 16 years, he has played a part that has been vital, and on numerous times, the lead role.”