Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from Test cricket

Dwayne Bravo

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect after last having played a Test for West Indies in December 2010, against Sri Lanka at Pallekele.

"Over the years, with the greatest enthusiasm, I have done my best with the deep awareness that I am ultimately representing the people of the game," Bravo said.

"I recognise that this is a difficult time for all of us. Our people of the region have seen and enjoyed great cricketing days but we will not return to glory until we agree to go forward with our love for the game and the respect of the administrators, players and the public."

The Trinidadian’s decision has come in the wake of his exclusion from West Indies’ 15-man squad for the World Cup, which is being seen as a ramification of him leading West Indies’ pull-out of their tour of India midway through the series back in October. He will, however, continue to play ODIs and T20s for the West Indies.

Playing in an era where West Indies has had a huge dearth of talent has resulted in Bravo’s career seeing a fair share of disappointments amidst a few sporadic highs, but the 31-year-old insisted that he’ll look back at his time with the team with fondness.

"I have experienced the exhilarating joy of victory and the devastating pain of defeat. The joyous memories will remind me of what we are capable of achieving. I want to be part of that mission," Bravo added.

Bravo, who made his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 2004, finishes up with 2200 runs at an underwhelming average of 31.42 and 86 wickets at 39.83 from his 40 Tests.