Gary Ballance announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Former England batter Gary Ballance, who also represented Zimbabwe on the international stage has announced to hang his boots from all forms of cricket at the age of 33.

The left-handed batter recently signed a two-year deal with Zimbabwe Cricket – the country of his birth – following his exclusion from county cricket side Yorkshire in December last year.

Notably, Ballance represented England in 23 Tests and 16 ODIs between 2014 and 2017.

He scored an unbeaten century in his only Test for Zimbabwe, adding to the four he made for England. He also played 21 ODIs – 16 for England and five for Zimbabwe – and a T20 International for Zimbabwe amid his brief stint.

“After much thought, I have decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket with immediate effect,” Ballance said in a statement issued by the Professional Cricketers Association.

“I had hoped my move to Zimbabwe would provide me with a new-found happiness for the game and I will always be thankful to Zimbabwe Cricket for providing me with an opportunity to return to international cricket and welcoming me into their team.

“However, I have reached the stage where I no longer have the desire to dedicate myself to the rigours of professional sport and this would do Zimbabwe Cricket and the game itself a disservice, should I carry on. I wish them every success going forward.”

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