Ireland spinner Regan West announces retirement from international cricket
Ireland left-arm spinner Regan West has announced retirement from international cricket after he picked up a serious shoulder injury.
West’s bowling shoulder was causing him trouble over the past few months and after a detailed examination of the injured shoulder the spinner was advised not to bowl anymore for fear of further damage.
The 31-year-old Taranaki born bowler was devastated at his forced retirement. He told media reporters that it was shocking for him to learn about his shoulder.
“I'm pretty gutted with the outcome really. At the beginning it wasn't a case of if I would bowl again, it was just how long it would take to recover,” said West while talking to the media reporters.
“My left shoulder is not in good shape, so the recommendation that I shouldn't bowl again didn't come as a surprise but it is still very disappointing,” he added further.
The left-armer was not part of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 squad that visited the Subcontinent to participate in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2011.
West made his One Day International debut on 25 August, 2008 and went on to play 10 ODIs picking up 9 wickets with career best figures of 4/26. In first-class cricket, he has played 20 matches claiming 45 wickets with a career best
of 7/88 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Scotland-c756 in 2009.
He said that the time he spent with the Ireland team was the most enjoyable of his cricketing career. The left-hander, who used to play for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 Under-19 side as well before joining Ireland,
said that he feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to represent the Irish at the international level. He however added that he was quite disappointed to learn about his shoulder which ruled him out of the game for good.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons termed West’s forced retirement as a massive loss to the national side and thanked him for his contribution to the country.
“Regan is a massive loss to the Irish squad,” said Simmons. “I personally would like to thank him for his efforts, not just when he was in the team, but in the last six months in his battle to be fit enough to be in an environment
he has enjoyed.”
Simmons said that the wholeheartedness and dedication of the left-arm spinner will be missed.
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