Kane Richardson has brought an end to his professional cricket career at the age of 34, announcing his retirement following the conclusion of the Big Bash League season.
The former Australia fast bowler revealed the decision first on Instagram before releasing a statement through the Australian Cricketers’ Association, closing a chapter that began with his senior debut in 2009.
“From making my debut back in 2009 until now, I feel like I have squeezed every drop out of myself, and it is the right time to finish such an enjoyable part of my life,” Richardson said while confirming his decision.
He also reflected on what representing Australia and playing across the world meant to him. “I’ve been fortunate enough to represent my country, along with many franchise teams around the world, and in Australia. I have never taken the opportunity lightly, and I hope the people watching knew that I had dreamt about being a cricketer since I was a kid in Darwin.”
What was Kane Richardson’s record in professional cricket?
Richardson played 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Australia. He picked up 39 wickets in the 50-over format, at 31.79, while he managed 45 T20I scalps at 23.53 at an economy rate of 8.40. He also took part in three World Cups across formats, including the victorious 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, though he did not play a game in the edition.
Richardson also participated in the 2022 T20 World Cup at home, playing one game against Afghanistan. He also played two matches in the 2019 ODI World Cup, picking up five wickets, including 3-47 against Sri Lanka.
Much of his reputation was built in the Big Bash League. Richardson appeared in every season since the tournament began, spending six years with the Adelaide Strikers before moving to the Melbourne Renegades, with whom he lifted the title in 2018/19. He later joined the Sydney Sixers on a one-year deal, making two appearances in his final season. He ends his BBL career as the league’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 142 wickets at an average of 23.21 and an economy rate of 7.87.
Overall, he ended his T20 career with 201 games, picking 241 wickets at 23.58, with best figures of 4-22. He also picked up 153 List A wickets and 102 first-class wickets.
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