SYDNEY — Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has retired from one-day cricket, hoping to prolong his career in Twenty20 internationals.
The 28-year-old Tait, who no longer plays first class cricket, announced his decision Monday, saying the toll of playing both limited over forms placed too much strain on his body and he didn’t want to be forced into retirement by injury.
Tait played 35 one day internationals for Australia, taking 62 wickets at an average of 23.56.
He said concentrating on Twenty20 cricket allowed him to “manage my body to a level where I feel I can continue to contribute to the game for some time yet.
Tait took 11 wickets in seven matches before Australia’s quarterfinal exit at the current World Cup in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
“My goal was to hopefully help Australia retain the ICC Cricket World Cup. However, with our involvement now finished I feel it is the perfect time to move on in a new direction,” Tait said in a statement.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly but I believe it is one that will help me to prolong my cricketing career through the many Twenty20 avenues available.
“In reality, playing all year round for Australia and South Australia is not allowing my body to stand up as I would like and I do not want to be forced into retirement through career-ending injuries.”
Tait said Australia’s 2007 World Cup victory was the stand-out memory of his career.
“Being a member of a team containing so many legends of the game was a true highlight of my cricketing career, while any match a person plays for his country or state is truly an honour not to be taken lightly,” he said.
Cricket Australia’s General Manager Cricket, Michael Brown, said Tait had been an important contributor for the national team.
“Bowling at the speeds he generates places an unusual strain on his body and Cricket Australia respects the decision he makes today,” Brown said.
The Canadian Press
