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Twenty years ago, once a player retired from international cricket, they’d continue to stride out to the middle to bat or mark out their run up to bowl for a few more seasons in domestic first class cricket, before vanishing into the wilderness, returning in the commentary box or as a coach a few years later.
That’s not the case anymore as many cricketers are now retiring from the international arena at a slightly younger age to focus on T20 franchise cricket, or doing a Mitchell McClenaghan and withdrawing from international cricket altogether.
However, if you look around at some of the franchise squads, you will see some legends of the international game, who’ve since gone on to focus solely on T20 franchise cricket in the twilight of their careers.
I’ve picked out five players who I’d love to see return to the international game.
5. Shane Watson
Watson retired from international action in 2016, while he was ranked as the best T20 all-rounder in the world. He was the last player to retire from Australia’s mightily successful side from the early 2000s, and like many others, has committed himself to the T20 franchise circuit.
He has featured in the Big Bash, the IPL, the PSL and CPL since his retirement making him one of the most well-travelled players in the world. He made four Test hundreds and took 75 wickets, but it was the one-day arena where he thrived the most. He’s renowned in England for being an LBW candidate in Test cricket, only to review the most plumb decisions, but that shouldn’t overrule what has been an excellent white ball career.
4. Dwayne Bravo
Bravo has been a regular on the franchise T20 circuit for a while now and hasn’t played a one-day international for the West Indies in nearly four years. The all-rounder is one of the most sought-after players by franchise teams as he’s equally good with both bat and ball.
He’s a match-winner as well as an entertainer and brings Caribbean flair wherever he plays. He hasn’t played international cricket since September 2016, following a breakdown in relationship with Cricket West Indies, a breakdown that is still going on today.
Some West Indian T20 specialists like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard still receive call ups, but there doesn’t look to be one on the horizon for the “New Big Dog.” Perhaps if the board backed down and welcomed Bravo back into the side, their fortunes would change.
3. Shahid Afridi
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Shahid Afridi had retired as he’s been around for a long time. He made his ODI debut as a 16-year old back in 1996 and played his final international game in 2016. He’s one of the great entertainers and “Boom Boom” has captivated the world over with his ability to swing the bat.
He holds the record for hitting the most number of sixes in the history of ODI cricket, but that masks his ability with the ball.
He’s always been a good bowler, but his leg spin not only skittled many a batting order, but his variations ensured a superb economy rate in the middle overs. He’ll be remembered for his batting, even though it didn’t always come off. He can still be found playing in the BPL, PSL and T20 Blast.
2. Kevin Pietersen
How very English it is to make a maverick the scapegoat of a poor tour! Pietersen was unceremoniously sacked by the ECB after England’s crushing 5-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes series of 2013/14, despite being the top run scorer.
Looking at the recent Ashes squad, he’d have been able to make an impact, particularly when Gary Ballance was the reserve batsman. What’s more is that he could have played a key part in England’s one-day set-up, particularly as he’s a very aggressive player.
England’s loss has been the T20 circuit’s gain and he’s been loved everywhere he’s been, except for Brisbane. He’s already announced that 2018 will be his final year on the pitch, so let’s savour him while we get the chance.
1. Brendon McCullum
It can be argued that Brendon McCullum saved the 50-over game, which up until the 2015 World Cup, looked like it was going to become the runt of the cricketing formats. 50-over cricket lacked the technique and patience required for Test match players, while it was deemed too long for T20 specialists, but McCullum changed everyone’s perception.
With some innovative captaincy and some very aggressive batting, his New Zealand team became every neutral’s favourite at the tournament. He retired from international cricket in February 2016, scoring the fastest century in a Test match in his final game and became the most prolific six-hitter in the Test format.
He’s still a regular on the T20 circuit and has just been signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming IPL.
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