Ireland's Alex Cusack announces retirement
Alex Cusack, the 34-year-old Ireland international of Australian origin, is all set to retire. He planned to retire after the World Cup in March, where he bowled brilliantly to for a four for against Zimbabwe in a match winning cause, but had decided then to help Ireland qualify for the World T20 in India next year.
Cusack, a right-handed all-rounder, played 59 ODIs and has taken 63 wickets at 23.96 and 35 T20I wickets at 20.40 in 37 matches. He also played 974 matches across both white-ball formats.
"I have been thinking about it seriously for a year, especially with the bad run of injuries I have suffered in recent times," Cusack said. "Those injuries have taken a considerable toll on my body, and that's the main reason why I'm calling it a day now. I'm also the father of three young children, and I feel I need to be around more for them."
Cusack has been a consistent performer for Ireland: Porterfield
Irish captain William Porterfield praised Cusack, saying: "Alex has been a great servant and performer for Ireland for quite some time. Not only has he been such a consistent performer for us on the pitch, but he continued to set the example off it. He was ever the professional and I am sure that how he approached all aspects of the game has had a positive influence on the younger players within the squad."
Cusack turned out in the Irish colours 174 times, scored 2347 runs at an average of 22.79, and also picked up 180 wickets at just 21.86, putting him at 8th on the all-time leading wicket-takers’ list.
During a 234 run partnership with Andre Botha, the 3rd highest partnership for Ireland in all cricket, he scored his only century – a 130 in 2007 against Scotland.
Congrats to Alex Cusack on a superb career for @Irelandcricket .one of the best lads knocking about and a superbly skilful bowler .
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) August 14, 2015
.@sportireland Best wishes to Alex Cusack who has confirmed his retirement from international cricket http://t.co/yhwcjJiXSW @Irelandcricket
— Irish Sports Council (@sportireland) August 13, 2015