Doug Bollinger announces retirement from all forms of cricket
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Former Australian left-arm pacer Doug Bollinger has called it a day to all forms of cricket after playing 16 years of the sport at the highest level. The 36-year-old played 12 Tests, 39 ODIs, and nine T20Is for Australia since making his international debut against South Africa in January 2009.
Since making his debut for New South Wales in 2002-03, Bollinger retired from cricket as one of the state's most prolific fast bowlers, having taken 290 wickets for them during the period. Bollinger, who was known for his ability to move the ball both ways, has also been remembered for his antics and sledging that went on to define the Australian era of domination. The left-arm bowler, most recently, played for Sydney Sixers in the recently concluded Big Bash League but played only two matches.
Speaking of his decision, Bollinger said, "I was pretty raw and Steve Rixon and Trevor Bayliss gave me a really good chance at cricket. My first captain for NSW was Steve Waugh, which was unbelievable. 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. Now it's time for the next stage of my life with my wife Tegan and my children Skye and Liam. I couldn't have achieved everything I have without them."
NSW chief executive Andrew Jones also had words of praise for the Aussie quick and stated that Bollinger enjoyed a remarkable career considering his late entry into the game as a teenager.
"Doug was
"Finishing his career as ninth on the list of NSW first-class wicket-takers and playing all three forms of the game for Australia is a remarkable achievement given he did not play cricket until he was 15, joining local club Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL in Sydney's west. For someone who simply wanted to play with his mates in the park, Doug's 290 wickets for NSW make him the state's third most successful fast bowler of all time behind Geoff Lawson and fellow left
The pacer was also a part of two title-winning Chennai Super Kings squad and made his IPL debut by playing against Rajasthan Royals in 2010. He was also a part of CSK's successful run in the Champions League in 2011 as well.
