In a somber turn of events, the cricketing world bid adieu to one of its fierce warriors as former England pacer, Steven Finn, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. This decision comes on the heels of Finn's year-long struggle with a persistent knee injury that ultimately forced him to lay down his cricketing arms. With a career spanning 18 years, Finn's journey has been one of dedication, passion, and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. As we reflect on his illustrious career, we delve into the defining moments and achievements that have etched his name into cricketing history.
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 36 | 66 | 6412 | 3800 | 125 | 6/79 | 9/187 | 30.40 | 3.55 | 51.2 |
| ODI | 69 | 67 | 3550 | 2996 | 102 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 29.37 | 5.06 | 34.8 |
| T20I | 21 | 21 | 480 | 583 | 27 | 3/16 | 3/16 | 21.59 | 7.28 | 17.7 |
| FC | 164 | - | 28932 | 16711 | 570 | 9/37 | - | 29.31 | 3.46 | 50.7 |
| List A | 145 | 141 | 6845 | 5880 | 201 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 29.25 | 5.15 | 34.0 |
| T20 | 144 | 140 | 2891 | 3948 | 176 | 5/16 | 5/16 | 22.43 | 8.19 | 16.4 |
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 36 | 47 | 279 | 56 | 11.16 | 901 | 30.96 | 0 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| ODI | 69 | 30 | 136 | 35 | 8.00 | 223 | 60.98 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 15 | 0 |
| T20I | 21 | 3 | 14 | 8* | - | 19 | 73.68 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| FC | 164 | 202 | 1317 | 56 | 9.61 | 3407 | 38.65 | 0 | 2 | 175 | 8 | 51 | 0 |
| List A | 145 | 59 | 411 | 42* | 12.08 | 609 | 67.48 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 10 | 33 | 0 |
| T20 | 144 | 29 | 79 | 11* | 8.77 | 94 | 84.04 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 43 | 0 |
It was a knee injury suffered nearly a year ago that cast a shadow over Finn's career. The injury, a relentless adversary, robbed him of valuable time on the field, curtailing his involvement in this year's cricketing activities. Faced with the unrelenting challenges posed by the injury, Finn made the heart-wrenching decision to retire. In a statement released by the Sussex County Cricket Club, the 34-year-old Finn acknowledged, "Today, I am retiring from all forms of cricket with immediate effect. I have been fighting a battle with my body for the last 12 months and have admitted defeat to it."
Finn's journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. His contributions to the English team, Middlesex, and Sussex have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. Boasting an impressive record, Finn has played a total of 125 games for England, including 36 Test matches. These numbers far exceeded his initial aspirations, a testament to his exceptional skills and determination. Finn's gratitude shone through as he expressed his appreciation for the support of Sussex Cricket and his fans, especially during the challenging past year.
Finn's international journey commenced in 2010, and it was during the 2010-11 Ashes that he showcased his mettle. With 14 wickets to his name, Finn played a pivotal role in England's historic 3-1 triumph on Australian soil. The 2015 Ashes further solidified his place in cricketing history, as he contributed 12 scalps, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for his team. Over the span of his Test career, Finn amassed 125 wickets at an average of 30.40, cementing his status as a formidable force on the pitch.
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @FinnySteve ❤️ #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/d6wNFbilod
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 14, 2023
Finn's prowess extended beyond Test cricket. His performances in the limited-overs formats were equally captivating. In ODIs, Finn claimed an impressive 102 wickets in 69 matches, boasting an economy rate of 5.06. In the T20 arena, he showcased his versatility, securing 27 wickets from 21 matches with an economy rate of 3.55. These numbers underscore Finn's ability to adapt and excel across various formats, solidifying his reputation as a versatile bowler.
Finn's cricketing journey transcended international borders. Starting with Middlesex in 2005, he left an indelible mark on the domestic circuit before making a move to Sussex in the recent past. His talent also caught the attention of global leagues, with stints in the New Zealand-based Otago Volts, Pakistan Super League's Islamabad United, and the English franchise Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
Paul Farbrace, Sussex's head coach, paid a heartfelt tribute to Finn's career. He remarked, "Steven has been a fantastic bowler for Middlesex, Sussex, and England." Farbrace's sentiment echoed the sentiments of cricket fans worldwide, acknowledging Finn's immense contribution to the sport.
As the cricketing fraternity comes to terms with the retirement of Steven Finn, his legacy continues to shine brightly. A true cricketing warrior, Finn's journey has been marked by triumphs, trials, and unwavering dedication. His retirement serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges athletes face and the resilience required to conquer them. While Finn bids farewell to the field, his incredible feats and unyielding spirit will forever remain etched in the annals of cricketing history.
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