Ashish Nehra announces retirement from international cricket

NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League on Thursday after an injury-plagued career.

Ashish Nehra, 38, who is part of India’s Twenty20 squad in the ongoing series against Australia, will bow out after the first T20 against New Zealand on November 1 at his home ground in New Delhi.

Nehra, who has suffered a series of injury problems and last played for India in February, said he wanted to go out on top and in front of his home fans.

“It is always good to retire when people are asking why, rather than why not,” he told reporters in Hyderabad ahead of the third T20 against Australia on Friday.

“I have spoken to the team management as well as the chairman of selection committee. It can’t get bigger than getting to retire in front of your home fans where I played my first Ranji Trophy game 20 years ago,” he added.

India will host New Zealand for three one-day internationals and three T20 matches starting October 22.

The left-arm quick has collected 157 ODI wickets plus 44 Test and 34 T20 scalps during his 18-year career, since making his debut in the five-day format in 1999.

The Delhi native was a vital part of India’s 2003 World Cup campaign in South Africa, where the team ended up as runners-up to Australia.

He is best remembered for his figures of 6-23 against England at Durban during the 50-over tournament. Nehra was also a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.