5 players who retired from International Cricket in 2016

The year 2016 saw many players bid adieu to the game . While some were past their prime, there were a few who had it in them to go on for a few years but instead opted to call it a day.

We look at the players who retired in 2016:

5.James Taylor

One of saddest stories of the year 2016, James Taylor’s promising career came to an abrupt halt in April last year after he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition-Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

That meant that Taylor had to call it quits from the sport after having played a mere 7 Tests and 27 ODIs. He was part of the England squad at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and also featured in his side’s tour to South Africa at the start of this year.

We hope that whatever he chooses in his second innings, he attains huge success in that field.

4.Lakshmipathy Balaji

Indian speedster Lakshmipathy Balaji announced his retirement from the sport in 2016, after a 16-year professional career. The Tamil Nadu cricketer last played for India in the 2012 World T20 and even held nerve against South Africa, where with 2 needed, he dismissed Morne Morkel to clinch a thrilling one-run win.

His best moments came in the 2004 Tour to Pakistan, when he formed a competent fast bowling pair with Irfan Pathan, helping India win both the Test as well as the ODI series.

Post retirement, Balaji has taken up the role of a mentor with the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team, who are at present playing the semifinals against Mumbai.

3.Tillakaratne Dilshan

One of the most versatile players across all three formats, Dilshan bid adieu on home turf, while taking on Australia. In a career spanning 17 years, he saw several highs and will be remembered for introducing the Dilscoop in the game of cricket.

He was part of the Sri Lankan side that won the World T20 title in 2014 and also played in 2009 and 2011 World T20 and 50 over World Cup finals. Having begun his career as a middle-order batsman, Dilshan took to the opening slot very well and became a reliable opener at the top of the order.

2.Shane Watson

After a career spanning 14 years, Shane Watson called it quits from all formats during the World T20 in India last year. The 34-year-old, who had retired from Tests after the 2015 Ashes, was recalled for the home T20I series against India and recorded his maiden hundred in the format in Sydney.

Although his team missed the semifinal bus thanks to the brilliance of Virat Kohli, Watson had a productive ending as he made 18 not out, picked up one wicket and took a blinder to dismiss Yuvraj Singh.

He continues to play in several T20 tournaments around the world.

1.Brendon McCullum

The New Zealand stalwart finished his international career at the start of 2016 and did so in some style, blazing his way to the fastest Test hundred off just 54 balls against Australia at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. He called it quits from coloured clothing against the same opposition.

Like Watson, McCullum also plays in many T20I tournaments in the world and continues to provide many thrilling moments with the bat in hand.