Kevin O’Brien announces retirement from ODI, to be available for T20Is and Tests

Ireland’s all-rounder Kevin O’Brien has announced his retirement from the ODI format, Cricket Ireland announced on Friday. However, he will be available for Test matches and T20I. O’Brien is regarded as one of Ireland’s best ODI players as he delivered with both bat as well as the ball.

The right-hander scored 3618 runs in 153 ODI matches at an average of 29.21 whereas he scalped 143 wickets. O’Brien is the third highest run-getter for Ireland and also finished as the team’s highest wicket-taker and catcher in the 50-overs format.

The Ireland all-rounder said that his target is to do well for the team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“After 15 years playing for Ireland, I feel now is the right time to step away and retire from ODI cricket,” O’Brien said. “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country 153 times and the memories I take from them will last a lifetime.

This has not been an easy decision, but after ongoing consideration, I don’t feel I can contribute to the ODI team as much as I have in the past. The hunger and love for the ODI format is no longer the same as it was and it wouldn’t be fair to Andrew, Graham, the team and our supporters to continue to play while no longer feeling at 100%.

“I’ve had some unbelievable moments with the team since 2006 – the three World Cups, the personal successes and spending time travelling and playing all over the world, but I will now shift my focus and remain fully committed to T20 cricket – with two world cups in the next 18 months – and hoping to add to my three caps in Test cricket.”

O’Brien shot himself into limelight when he scored an epic knock of 113 runs off just 63 balls and took Ireland to an emphatic win against England in the 2011 World Cup. In fact, Ireland were behind the eight-ball at 111-5 after 25 overs however O’Brien got his team back into the contest.

“Kevin has played an enormous role in the development of Irish cricket and has delivered regularly on the world stage – particularly in the ODI format,” Graham Ford, Ireland’s head coach said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with him as part of the ODI squad, and he has been a true role model for many teammates over the years.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Kevin in other formats, and while his decision to step away from ODI cricket is sad, he can do so in the knowledge that he leaves an indelible legacy on the ODI game in Ireland and around the world.”

Ireland will next play a limited over series against South Africa in July in their home conditions.