Croft retires from international cricket
Robert Croft announced his retirement from international cricket, saying that it had been 'a great honour and privilege to represent England'
Wisden Cricinfo staff
02-Jan-2004
 |
Robert Croft: 'It's been a great honour and privilege to represent England' © Getty Images |
Stats Guru: Croft's ODI career
England offspinner Robert Croft has announced his retirement from international cricket.
"I've come to the conclusion that I will no longer offer myself for selection for any future England Test or one-day side," he said. "In making this decision I was conscious that I've had a challenging and full career with England both at Test and one-day level of which I am extremely proud."
"It's been a great honour and privilege to represent England as much as I have and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I would also like to thank my fellow players for all their help and huge contribution to my career over the years."
Croft made his debut for England against Pakistan in 1996, but struggled to hold down a regular place in the England side. In 21 Tests he took 49 wickets at 37.24, but no great turner of the ball, he was more effective overseas. In nine Tests abroad he took 35 wickets at 24.65, compared with 14 at 68.71 at home.
His best performances for England were in Sri Lanka three years ago when his nine wickets and useful contributions with the bat helped England come back from behind to win the series 2-1. But after what turned out to be his final Test appearance, against Australia in 2001, he refused to tour India in 2001-02 because of security concerns and he was always on the periphery thereafter. He was picked for the Sri Lanka tour this winter, but he remained on the sidelines for all three Tests as England persevered with Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty.
In one-day cricket, Croft was a useful utility player, taking 45 wickets in 50 matches, the last against Australia in 2001.
Croft, 33, now intends to concentrate on Glamorgan, and said that he has "another four or five seasons" in him. "As captain of Glamorgan I intend to concentrate my efforts to further develop our success and to be consistently competitive in the four-day championship and one-day competitions.
"Those efforts will involve not only actions on the field but also the further nurturing of our young Academy players and the development of many exciting plans for the future of Glamorgan."