Ireland paceman Tim Murtagh bids adieu to County Cricket after completing 2023 season

Tim Murtagh, the seasoned Ireland seamer and a legend of county cricket for an astounding 23 years, has finally decided to hang up his boots at the end of this season. This news comes as Middlesex's Division One survival campaign reaches its conclusion, with a pivotal clash against Warwickshire at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground. If selected for the game against Warwickshire, it will mark the 264th first-class appearance of Murtagh's illustrious career and a remarkable 91st outing at the Lord's.

Earlier this season, he showcased his prowess by taking up his fifth ten-wicket haul, which included his 1000th wicket for Middlesex. Notably, Tim Murtagh achieved this feat during a game against Kent in a memorable nine-wicket victory at the same venue. The Irish, who transitioned into a player-coach role at the beginning of the 2023 season, is now set to embark on a full-time coaching career, securing a permanent role within the Middlesex coaching staff.

"I've had these words mulling around in my head for around ten years, but now is the time to put them onto paper. It's with a great deal of pride and a tinge of sadness that I announce my retirement from cricket at the end of this season. It's finally time to hang up the speed menace boots (the irony is not lost on me) after an incredible 25 years of joy playing professional sport," Murtagh said in a statement released by the club as per ESPN Cricinfo.

"Moving forward, I can't wait to help the next generation of Middlesex cricketers live out their dreams as I move onto the coaching staff and the next phase of my life," Murtagh added further.

Murtagh started his County cricket career with Surrey in 2000

Tim Murtagh's cricketing journey has seen him amass a staggering 1341 wickets, including 951 in the first class. His career commenced at Surrey in 2000 before he made the switch to Middlesex in 2007. Notably, he represented Ireland in 75 matches across formats, where his standout performance came at Lord's, securing figures of 5 for 13 in his third Test appearance, etching his name on the honours board.

Alan Coleman, Middlesex's director of cricket, paid tribute to Murtagh, describing him as an "absolute gem of a bloke, both on and off the field." Coleman also expressed his excitement about Murtagh's transition into coaching, recognizing the impact he has already made and the potential he holds in the next chapter of his career.