Michael Yardy calls time on his career

Michael Yardy calls time on his career: The 34 year old England batsman Michael Yardy is often known for his sudden exit from the 2011 World cup, which was held in India. Yardy’s international carrier came to a standstill after suffering with clinical depression during the 2011 period.

He made his ODI debut against Pakistan at Nottingham in the year 2006. Michael represented England on 28 occasions in the limited overs format, scoring 326 runs with 60* not out being his best. He earned 14 caps in the shortest format of the game, notching up 96 runs at a strike rate of 133.33. In the bowling department, Yardy picked up 21 wickets and 11 dismissals in ODI and T20 respectively.

His international record doesn’t do much justice to a man who has been a pillar for Sussex since making his debut in the year 2000. Yardy played 193 matches and amassed 10693 runs at an average on 36.49 with a highest score of 257 against Bangladesh in a tour game for Sussex. In his first Season as captain he led Sussex to the Twenty20 Cup and the Pro 40 titles.

Yardy’s happiest moment in the international scenario came calling when he was selected for England’s Twenty20 World Cup squad and formed a potent spin partnership with Graeme Swann that led Andy Flower’s men to their first ever triumph in a global ICC event. During the tournament in the West Indies he was an ever-present, taking four wickets at an average of 34.

Mike Yardy, the last link with the Sussex side that won the Championship three times between 2003 and 2007, announced his retirement from the game at the start of this season.

“I have found the last few years increasingly more difficult and frustrating and want to look back on my career with pride and fondness,” Yardy said. “After lots of conversations with my wife, now is the time to start a new journey away from playing cricket. I’m excited for the next couple of months and doing anything that is possible for us to have successful season.” he said.

Michael Yardy had a terrific time with the bat this season, scoring couple of centuries in his last four games. Yardy’s final knock of 70 went in vain as Yorkshire got the better of Sussex.

“I’ve played here all my life, from the age of 11,” Yardy said, “and even during that time I’ve loved watching the guys play here. It was always something I aspired to as a young kid: like everyone who plays county cricket, you aspire to play for your home county. It’s a bit sad that it’s coming to an end but nice to finish in a nice way.” an emotional was quoted as saying.

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson described Yardy as “an integral part of the club”.

“He is a fantastic role model for everyone who has played alongside him and leads by example,” Robinson told BBC Sussex.

“We congratulate him on what has been an outstanding career and have some sadness that a lot of good times we have shared with him will be gone.

“You hope that the influence he has had in the dressing room will live on.”