Michael Beer announces BBL retirement

Former Australia Test spinner and Melbourne Stars veteran Michael Beer has announced his retirement from Big Bash League cricket.

Beer, 34, played in all eight seasons of the BBL, turning out in 60 matches overall. He played the first three seasons with Perth Scorchers, where he was part of two final losses, and was also part of the team in the Champions League.

He then moved home to Melbourne to join the Stars in the 2014-15 season. Beer played in a final with the Stars in 2016, and was very successful as a bowler in the Powerplays, not always an easy task for a spinner.

Beer, however, only managed three games this season.

"When I first came to the Stars I probably wasn't enjoying my cricket as much, but the Stars made cricket fun for me again," Beer said. "I'd really like to thank the players and coaches I've been fortunate to work with over the years at the Stars, as well as the club staff and the board for all the support and opportunities they've given me and my career both on and off the field.

"I'd also like to thank the WACA [Western Australia Cricket Association], Perth Scorchers and Cricket Victoria for my time with them, I've been lucky to learn so much from each team I've played with.

"I'm very excited about the next phase of my life, spending time with my family and putting more focus into my coaching. I still really enjoy being around the game and look forward to building on some of the coaching opportunities I've had this year."

Beer finished with 42 BBL wickets at an excellent economy rate of 6.70 and strike rate of 29.50.

Stars coach Stephen Fleming called Beer an integral part of the Stars set-up since moving over from the Scorchers.

"Michael Beer has played a pivotal role at the Stars, contributing consistently with the ball and a key to our spin strategy for many years," Fleming said. "We want to thank him, not just for the brilliant job he's done on-field, but his all-round service to the club.

"Over the past 12 months he has developed as a mentor for our younger players, and particularly our bowlers, in both the men's and women's teams and I can see great potential for him to continue with that in the future."

Beer has also played two Test matches for Australia, one against England during the 2010-11 Ashes and then in Port of Spain in 2012, for three wickets.