Bengaluru, Mar 31: New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has announced his retirement today from all forms of international cricket, confirming that the ICC World Cup 2015 final against Australia was his final international appearance.
The left-arm spinner is the youngest player to have represented New Zealand in Test cricket, having made his debut in 1996-97 at the age of 18 against England and his ODI debut came a month later, against Sri Lanka, at Christchurch on 25 March 1997. Vettori became New Zealand's most-capped test cricketer with 113 caps, and most capped One-Day cricketer with 295 caps.
Vettori, who also became the first bowler from New Zealand to take 300 wickets or more in ODIs during the World Cup, finished with a total 305 wickets in 295 matches. The left-arm spinner also ended his Test career as the second highest wicket-taker for New Zealand, with 362 wickets in 113 Tests.
The 36-year-old had a successful World Cup outing as he picked up 15 wickets to end up as the joint eight-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Along with Imran Tahir, Vettori also picked up most wickets as a spinner in World Cup 2015.
"It was my last game for New Zealand so it was a lovely way to finish," Vettori said upon the Black Caps' arrival in Auckland today."
With the IPL 8 commencing on April 8, Vettori will leave for India on Thursday, April 2, 2015 to be part of the Indian Premier League competition as coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Adam Gilchrist, the former Australia cricketer and South African cricketer, JP Duminy tweeted on Vettori's retirement.
Champion player, champion bloke. Congrats #DanielVettori pic.twitter.com/n8nR82AqoN
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 31, 2015
Congrats Daniel Vetorri on an outstanding career. On of the best of all time. Been a privilege playing against you.. #ThanksDaniel
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) March 31, 2015
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