In a sombre turn of events, England’s pace sensation, Steven Finn, has declared his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 34-year-old cricketer made the heart-wrenching decision due to a persistent knee injury that has plagued him over the past year, ultimately forcing him to hang up his boots after an illustrious 18-year career.
Exceptional potential ruined by injuries
Finn’s announcement arrived through a heartfelt statement shared by his county team, Sussex. In his poignant message, he expressed, “I have been fighting a battle with my body for the last 12 months and have admitted defeat to it. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to play cricket as my vocation since I made my debut for Middlesex in 2005. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but I have loved it, nonetheless.”
The seasoned fast bowler first burst onto the international scene in 2010, making his debut for England against Bangladesh. His talent quickly shone through as he contributed significantly to England’s success in the men’s Ashes of 2010-11, capturing 14 wickets. Finn’s prowess continued to flourish, and he played a pivotal role in England’s triumph in the 2015 Ashes, claiming 12 wickets – the second-highest for the team. With an impressive international career record, he secured 125 wickets in Tests, 102 in ODIs, and 27 in T20Is.
Finn reflects on his cricketing journey
Predominantly associated with Middlesex, Finn’s cricketing journey led him to Sussex in 2022. Despite a brief stint at Sussex, he showcased his talents with 21 wickets in 20 appearances across formats, contributing to his remarkable career total of 570 wickets in first-class cricket.
Reflecting on his decision, Finn remarked, “To have played 125 games for England, including 36 Tests, far surpassed what I dreamed of. I want to thank Sussex Cricket for their support over the last 12 months especially and for welcoming me wholeheartedly into the club at the beginning of last season.”
Sussex coach pays tribute to Finn
Finn’s impact extended beyond the cricket field as he transitioned into a second career as a cricket pundit on radio and television. His insightful commentary and expertise garnered him opportunities with major broadcasters in the UK.
As the cricketing fraternity bid farewell to this extraordinary bowler, Paul Farbrace, Sussex head coach, paid tribute, saying, “Steven has been a fantastic bowler for Middlesex, Sussex, and England. In our short time together here at Hove, Steven has been an outstanding role model, a top professional, and above all a fantastic person.”
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