Former Black Cap Bell retires from cricket

CHRISTCHURCH - Former Black Caps batsman Matthew Bell has retired from all forms of cricket after 17 years at first-class level.

Bell today retired after struggling with injuries over the past two seasons.ell, 33, said after 17 years of first-class cricket he no longer had the commitment required to train and perform at the highest level

“It’s a decision that’s been coming for a while now. But it’s time for me to get on with the next phase of my life and to let some of the younger guys have the same chances that I’ve had,” he said.

“Retirement is a bit of an emotional thing but it was important to me to call time on it at the right time for the right reasons. I’ve played the game since I was six and I’m still passionate about it. I was lucky enough to have the chance to turn that passion into a career and I’m enormously grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve had along the way,” stuff.co.nz quoted him, as saying further.

Bell played 18 tests for New Zealand, from 1998-2001 and again in 2008, and scored two centuries - 105 against Pakistan in 2001 and 107 against Bangladesh in 2008. He averaged 24.30 in the five-day format and also featured in seven one-day internationals. (ANI)