Michael Papps Announces Retirement from First-class Cricket

The former New Zealand batsman Michael Papps has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 38, from the first-class cricket. The right-handed batsman had represented the national side in eight Test matches. He had also featured in six One-Day Internationals.

The wicketkeeper-batsman played a total of 178 first class games for both Canterbury and Wellington respectively.

Papps was the first man to scale the mountain of 10,000 runs in the premium domestic competition Plunket Shield.

In the last season of the New Zealand’s domestic circuit, the Christchurch-born became the first player to score a triple century.

Interestingly, the top-order batsman remained unbeaten on 316 against Auckland.

Former Black Cap batter Papps added he is going to cherish all the memories he has had during his career.

“The personal and collective triumphs, the runs scored, the days in the dirt, and the games won and lost are all memories I will take away, but most of all it will be the people, the teams I’ve played for, both here and overseas, and the great friends I have made that I will cherish the most,” Papps said in a statement.

Papps also thanked both the provinces for their everlasting support that he received throughout his long career.

Papps added, “I would like to thank the Canterbury Cricket Association for teaching me the game and giving me the best grounding a young cricketer could possibly receive, and to Cricket Wellington for enabling me to expand my horizons and providing me with a new challenge.”

Cricket Wellington chief executive Cam Mitchell also acknowledged the long-career of Michael Papps. He congratulated the batsman for making his useful contribution to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in general.

Mitchell said, “Michael has made an immense impact on this game and we are very proud to have had him as a member of our team and representative of Wellington. He has captained the Firebirds, played match-winning and match-saving innings, and made history with that outstanding 300. I’m sure cricket fans around the country will join me in thanking him for the memorable moments he has been a part of through his career.”

Owing to the cricketing career, Papps featured in 188 First-class fixtures. The prominent batsman amassed 12,294 runs at an average of 38.66. He registered 33-hundred and 52 fifties under his belt, in 344 innings.

Concluding, Michael Papps also played 166 List A matches to score 5,810 runs at an average of 37.97. In the day-long format, Papps struck 12 tons and 32 half-centuries.

Also Read: Netherlands’ Peter Borren Retires From International Cricket