Renowned England pacer, Steven Finn, made a poignant announcement on Monday (August 14), confirming his retirement from professional cricket. This decision comes after battling a knee injury in 2023 which sidelined him from red-ball cricket for over a year.
In a heartfelt statement, Finn expressed, "Today I am retiring from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. I have grappled with my body for the last 12 months and ultimately succumbed to its challenges. Playing cricket as my profession since my Middlesex debut in 2005 has been a privilege. Although there have been bumps along the way, my passion for the game remained undiminished."
He reminisced about his notable achievements, saying, "Representing England in 125 games, with 36 of them being test matches, was beyond my wildest dreams. As I hang up my boots, I cherish the moments spent with England, Middlesex, and Sussex, alongside some incredible teammates. These memories are etched in my heart."
The towering bowler, who began his first-class journey with Middlesex in 2005, garnered national attention and debuted against Bangladesh in 2010, following it up with his ODI debut the next year. Finn's illustrious career includes three Ashes victories, accumulating 125 wickets in 36 Tests. His ODI prowess was evident with 102 wickets in a mere 69 matches, and he also graced the 2015 World Cup squad.
Post a long stint with Middlesex, Finn transitioned to Sussex in 2022, playing 19 matches prior to his debilitating injury. Although he made an effort to return this month in a One-Day cup clash against Durham, he had to retreat after a mere four-over spell. The seasoned player's last appearance for England was during the 50-over format in 2017, preceding the Champions Trophy.
Paul Farbrace, Sussex's Head Coach, praised Finn, remarking, "Observing Steven's journey from a budding cricketer to a three-time Ashes victor has been truly rewarding. During our brief association at Hove, he epitomized professionalism, served as an exemplary role model, and, most importantly, is a genuinely wonderful individual."
He concluded, "I'm confident that as time passes, Steven will reminisce about his illustrious career with immense pride, pondering over his invaluable contributions to the sport. It's undoubtedly heart-wrenching that he couldn't extend his tenure, especially after his relentless efforts to regain optimal fitness."
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