New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills retires from International cricket

Kyle Mills retires as New Zealand’s second highest ODI wicket-taker

Pace bowler Kyle Mills has followed teammate Daniel Vettori into retirement from international cricket after New Zealand’s loss to Australia in the World Cup final on Sunday.

The New Zealand veteran hangs up his spikes after Blackcaps' runners-up finish at the sport’s biggest carnival. The 36-year-old right-arm pacer was a member of New Zealand's 15-man World Cup squad but didn't feature in any of the matches.

In his 14-year long career, Mills was a consistent performer for the Kiwis especially in the shorter formats of the game scalping 240 wickets in 170 ODIs (just behind Vettori’s 305 Wickets) and scalped 43 wickets in 42 Twenty20 internationals.

"It's been an honour and privilege to play cricket for my country over the past 14 years and I will miss it greatly. The time is right for me to step away from playing this great game and devote more time to my family who have sacrificed so much for me to keep playing the game I love," Mills said.

A fast-medium swing bowler, Mills made his international debut in an one-day match against Pakistan in 2001 before playing his first Test in 2004 against England. He earned the top spot on the International Cricket Council's Rankings for ODI bowlers in 2009 after taking 9 wickets in New Zealand's series against Australia.

He has been a part of 3 World Cups but his career has been plagued by injuries on his knee and shoulder.

Speaking on Mills’ retirement, Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson said: "It's sometimes forgotten that over the course of his career Kyle has consistently been ranked in the top 10 ODI bowlers in the world and for a long time held the top spot.

"To have the longevity that Kyle's had takes an incredible work ethic and desire to represent your country, On top of what he's achieved on the field, he's also a fantastic bloke and a great team man."