Graham Onions announces retirement from professional cricket

Graham Onions announces retirement: The veteran English seamer has hung his boots from all forms of cricket.

Veteran England fast bowler Graham Onions has announced retirement from all forms of professional cricket to put an end to a 17-year old career.

Onions, 37, has been deeply affected by a back injury which didn’t allow him to take part in the Bob Willis Trophy this year.

“This is not the way I wanted to bow out of the game, but I have to listen to the medical staff and have come to terms with the fact I am protecting my health and wellbeing in future years,” Onions said in a statement published as a tweet.

Onions, who made his Test and ODI debut in 2009, last played international cricket in 2012. In 13 international appearances across formats, the right-arm bowler picked 36 wickets at an average of 31.72, an economy rate of 3.78 and a strike rate of 50.2.

Having made his first-class debut for Durham, Onions moved to Lancashire in the recent years. In 192 first-class matches, Onions’ 723 wickets came at an average of 25.70, an economy rate of 3.33 and a strike rate of 46.2.

In addition to this, Onions also has 225 and 60 wickets to his name in List A and T20 cricket respectively.

Graham Onions announces retirement from professional cricket

“I gave absolutely everything I could and finish with no regrets. From being part of an Ashes-winning England team to becoming Durham’s leading First-Class wicket-taker, I have achieved more than I could have dreamed of when I first started out and feel lucky to have had the privilege of being a First-Class cricketer for so many years.

“Coaching has been an increasing passion of mine over the last few seasons and I am looking forward to exploring opportunities to pass on my knowledge and experience over the coming years. I have plenty left to give the game in an off-field capacity,” read a part of Onions’ tweet.

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