Ireland batsman Niall O'Brien bows out of international and first-class cricket

A few months ago, Ireland batsman Ed Joyce announced his retirement from international cricket. It’s now time for Niall O’Brien to hang his boots from cricket at the highest level and also the first-class level. He was an indefatigable servant of Irish cricket ever since he made his debut in August 2016 against Scotland. He is currently one of the four Irish players to have played over 100 ODIs.

The 36-year-old was also a part of the national team, which beat Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. The Dublin-born cricketer had the privilege to be a part of the epic Test match between Ireland and Pakistan at Malahide Cricket Ground back in May this year. Moreover, the left-hander plied his trade for Kent and Gloucestershire in England’s domestic cricket.

I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates

O’Brien was sad while making the announcement of his retirement, but mentioned that he would be leaving with fond memories of his cricketing career as per reports in Cricket Ireland’s official website.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international and professional cricket. I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to have represented my country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back with nothing but smiles and laughter,” he mentioned.

“I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates who along the way have helped me become the player I was. I have had too many coaches to mention them all but a special thanks must go to Adrian “Adi” Birrell who took a chance on me in 2002 and who arranged a trial at Kent from where I started my 14-year county career which was an absolute privilege and an honour,” he added.

Niall O’Brien represented Ireland in one Test, 103 ODIs and 30 T20Is in which he racked up 18, 2581 and 466 runs respectively. He also boasts of 19 half-centuries and one century in Ireland colours.

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