Ireland's Tim Murtagh Retires From International Cricket

Tim Murtagh, the Ireland pacer, announced retirement from international cricket on Friday. With the decision, he brought an end to his seven-year long career in international cricket. The 38-year old fast-bowler made his debut for Ireland in 2012. He played his first international game against Australia in Belfast. Unfortunately, the ODI was washed out after 10 overs and Tim Murtagh could not bowl in that game.

He had to wait for a couple of weeks to finally bowl his first delivery in international cricket and it came against Afghanistan. Overall, he represented Ireland in 97 games, picking up a total of 142 wickets across all formats at an average of 25.54. He had his best season with Ireland last year when he picked up 28 wickets in 11 matches at a miserly average of 16.32.

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In 2018, he also became the first Irish player to deliver a ball in Test cricket. Ireland had made their debut in Test cricket last summer against Pakistan at Malahide. He was in fine form this year too, having picked up 23 wickets so far. His finest moment came in England when he picked up career-best figures of 5-13 against England in the Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

“This is a day that I have known has been coming for a few years since the ECB changed their regulations, but it hasn’t made the decision any easier. I’ve had eight great years playing international cricket and loved every minute of it. It’s sad that it has come to an end but a decision that I have made my peace with,” Murtagh said in an official statement.

“A Test Match at Lord’s against England is a great way to finish my international career and a game I will always cherish. I wish the lads all the best for the winter tours and very much hope to help out and be involved in some capacity in the future,” he added.

Tim Murtagh did not play any game for Ireland since the Test at Lord’s. Meanwhile, he will continue to ply his trade in the game after signing a two-year contract extension with Middlesex Cricket. He will play red-ball cricket for the county side in 2020.