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