Cricket: Bollinger announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Doug Bollinger, the former Australia and New South Wales left-arm quick, has announced his retirement from cricket, on Monday (February 5).

The 36-year-old played 12 Test matches, 39 One-Day internationals (ODI) and nine Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Even though he had a brief Test career lasting less than two years, Bollinger enjoyed much success bagging 50 wickets at an average of 25.92. He also claimed 62 ODI scalps at 23.9.

Bollinger made his First-Class debut in 2002-03 season before playing his first Test in January of 2009 against South Africa in Sydney. A cult figure, Bollinger's effervescent personality and firebrand bowling made him a fan favourite. Most recently, he was a member of the Sydney Sixers squad in the just concluded Big Bash League but played only two matches.

"My first captain for NSW was Steve Waugh, which was unbelievable," Bollinger said. "I played under some great captains and players for NSW and Australia including Steve, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting. To play for 15 or 16 seasons with the SCG as my home ground has been amazing.

"It's been a great ride. I met so many wonderful people and achieved the ultimate ambition of playing Test cricket for Australia," he added.

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia chief executive, paid tribute to Bollinger. "He was a fierce competitor on the field who gave his all every time he represented his country. He was a skillful bowler who claimed more than 100 international wickets and enjoyed success against the best in the world."

(CRICBUZZ)