Nathan McCullum announces his retirement from international cricket

Nathan McCullum cited personal reasons behind his announcement

New Zealand spinner Nathan McCullum is set to announce his retirement from International cricket, after the end of the current season, to spend more time with family, reports New Zealand Herald. The 35-year old informed his decision to Kiwis’ coach Mike Hesson and manager Mike Sandle.

"I don't want to make a big song and dance about it, but it's time to start thinking about the next phase of my life," McCullum said. "I've got the sense that the end of this season is the right time to call it quits in international cricket."

The elder brother of Brendon cited family reasons behind his decision and said that he was keen to devote more time to his wife and three young children. “It’s been hard work for Vanessa in the past five years. She’s spent a lot of it pregnant and has had to do it on her own most of the time,” he said. “It’s time for me to start investing time in my family and being there for dinners and helping the boys with their homework. I’m looking forward to it.”

2011 WC quarter final victory most special moment of career: McCullum

Apart from family commitments, McCullum also wished to spend his time mentoring young Kiwi spinners like Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner. “We’ve got to get these guys up to speed and I’m looking forward to playing a mentoring role there,” he said.

Since making his International debut in 2007, Nathan has managed to take 63 wickets in 84 ODIs and 55 wickets in 61 T20Is. Recalling his most special moment in his career, Nathan said the 2011 World Cup quarter final match against South Africa, where the Kiwis came back from behind to secure a 49-run win, was memorable.

The Proteas chasing 221 for victory, choked in the middle overs and eventually lost the match. Nathan picked up 3/24 in his spell of 10 overs, to set up an unlikely win for New Zealand. “To come back and win a match we shouldn’t have won was pretty special,” he said.

Despite living in the shadows of his younger brother, Brendon, for most of his career, Nathan praised his brother’s skills and said that he deserved all success. “Every now and then it’s hard case when your little brother is barking orders at you, but he deserves everything he gets in terms of praise. He’s worked his butt off and created this team along with Hess and Mike Sandle,” he remarked.