Paul Wilson retires from first-class cricket

RETRAVISION Warrior fast-bowler Paul Wilson has retired from first-class cricket.

The former Test paceman was told by Warriors Coach Wayne Clark that he was unlikely to be offered a playing contract next season.

Wilson, 32, had been toying with the idea of retirement for a few months and this clenched his decision.

"It looked like I wasn't going to be playing next year in any sort of role," he said.

"After discussions with Wayne Clark he said it was unlikely that I would be offered a playing contract next season. He told me that it was doubtful that I would be among the first 17 contracts offered."

Wilson said it was senior Warriors who caused him to think about playing one more season. "I was considering retirement a few months ago but some of the senior players convinced me to reconsider," he said.

"Justin Langer was desperate for me to stay."

Wilson made his first-class debut in 1995-96 for South Australia. He stayed with the Redbacks for seven seasons before moving West before the 2002-03 season in search of more opportunity.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in WA. Justin Langer said I should have come across five or six years ago," he said.

Wilson finished his career with 151 first-class wickets from 51 games at an average of 30.77. He played one Test against India in Calcutta in 1998 and 11 one-day internationals in 1997-98.

Wilson said that he did the best with the talents that he was given.

"I always gave a one hundred and fifty per cent. I've been really amazed at what I've been able to do. I really can't ask anymore of myself and I am proud of myself," he said.

Wilson said that he had a desire to stay involved in cricket. He revealed a wish to be a first-class coach.

"I want to coach at a first class level. I have worked with many different coaches and most importantly I know what not to do to be a good coach," he said.

"I want to stay involved in cricket, whether it be in a player welfare role as a mentor to younger players or even umpiring.

"Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker have made the move from player to umpire. I think England leads the way with encouraging first-class players to become umpires."

Wilson said WA's miracle win over Queensland in the 2003-04 ING Cup Final was his most memorable team moment and he said his first wicket at international level was his best personal scalp.

"I remember bowling Chris Cairns to take my first one-day international wicket. I remember that my first wicket in Sheffield Shield cricket was Matthew Hayden and Stuart Law was my second. That's not a bad way to start."