Former England fast bowler Steven Finn has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket due to a persistent knee injury. The 34-year-old made the decision after struggling with the injury for the past year, which had kept him out of action and limited his participation in matches.
In a heartfelt statement released by the Sussex County Cricket Club, Finn expressed his decision, stating,
“Today, I am retiring from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. I have been battling with my body for the past 12 months and have come to terms with the fact that I can no longer continue. Playing 125 matches for England, including 36 Tests, has far exceeded my initial dreams.”
Finn also took the time to thank his current club, saying,
“I want to extend my gratitude to Sussex Cricket for their unwavering support, especially over the last year. They welcomed me with open arms at the beginning of last season, and I am truly grateful for that.”
Reflecting on his career, Finn expressed his gratitude for the memories he created, both on and off the field, with England, Middlesex, and Sussex. He acknowledged the incredible people he met along the way and the lasting impact they’ve had on him. Finn also took a moment to thank his fans for their unwavering support, singling out his parents for believing in his dreams from a young age.
Steven Finn’s career spanned across all formats of the game. In his 36 Test matches for England, he proved his mettle by taking 125 wickets at an average of 30.40. Notably, his standout performance was during the 2010-11 Ashes series, where he contributed significantly to England’s famous 3-1 victory in Australia, capturing 14 crucial wickets.
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He continued to shine in the subsequent years, being a vital part of England’s 2015 Ashes triumph, where he secured 12 wickets, the second-highest for his team.
Finn also showcased his prowess in limited-overs cricket. He amassed 102 wickets in 69 ODIs, maintaining an impressive average of 29.37 and an economy rate of 5.06. In the T20I format, he claimed 27 wickets from 21 matches with an economy rate of 3.55.
Throughout his career, Finn’s talent was not limited to international cricket; he also made his mark in various domestic leagues. Beginning his journey with Middlesex in 2005, he later joined Sussex in the previous year. He also played for teams such as the Otago Volts in New Zealand, Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Manchester Originals in The Hundred.