Wrist Injury Forces Scotland's Matt Machan To Retire At 26
Updated - 29 Jul 2017, 10:06 AM
Matt Machan, Scotland and Sussex batsman, has announced a shock retirement at the age of 26 due to a wrist injury. Machan, who has failed to recover fully from the injury despite undergoing surgery last year, took the tough call on medical advise.
Expressing his disappointment over the unfortunate turn of events, the Sussex batsman said:“It is with great sadness and an extremely heavy heart that I have to announce my retirement. Following medical advice, my long-term health is most important to me and I have to take that into account.”
“I believe as a batsman I was only just starting to come into my own and it is a real shame that this has been cut short so early as I believe I had so much still to offer Sussex over the next few years,” he added.
Machan was an important part in Scotland’s limited-overs team since making his debut in 2013 against Afghanistan. The southpaw, whose only international century came in 2013 when he scored 114 against Kenya, played 23 and 13 ODIs and T20Is respectively. He scored 734 runs at an average over 33 in ODIs and scored 407 at an impressive average of over 40 in T20Is. He was also a good part-time bowler, picking up 14 wickets in the limited-overs format. He also played in 2015 World Cup and World T20 in 2016
“Playing for Scotland brings so much joy and pride to me and the thought of not being able to do that again is a very hard pill to swallow,” said Machan.
“Playing in two World Cups against the very best players in the world is undoubtedly the highlight of my career. I take away memories and friendships that will last a life time and for that I am very thankful,” he added.
Sussex’s director of cricket, Keith Greenfield also paid his tribute to the player who spent 16 years at the club.
“Matt has been part of Sussex cricket since he was 10 years of age, and it is sad that we will not see Matt continue to develop and deliver his talent on the pitch because of his wrist injury. His passion for the club has always been clear,” Greenfield said.
