The Hindu : Sport : Boje announces retirement

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Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006
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Boje announces retirement

— FILE PHOTO: N. SRIDHARAN

Nicky Boje.

Johannesburg: South African spinner Nicky Boje, who skipped two tours of India fearing arrest over match-fixing charges, announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old bowler said his decision stemmed from the desire to concentrate on his domestic career.

``I have decided to retire from international cricket immediately and I am accordingly unavailable to form part of the Proteas squad for this season,'' the left-arm tweaker said in a statement released by the South African Cricketers' Association, of which he is the President.

The announcement came as a surprise since he had been recalled last week to the South African squad for the first cricket Test against India after almost two years in wilderness.

Boje said he felt the time had come for him to devote the remainder of his playing years to Eagles, the team he represents in domestic cricket.

``I have had eleven years of international cricket and will always cherish wonderful memories of playing for South Africa.

``I now feel that the time has come for me to devote the remainder of my playing years to Eagles cricket. I wish my former team mates in the Proteas side the very best for the future and I'm confident that the team has a very bright cricketing future,'' he said in the statement.

Boje took 100 wickets at an average of 42.65 in 43 Tests and scored 1312 runs. He claimed 96 wickets from 115 ODIs at 35.57 besides notching up 1414 runs. He last played an ODI in October 2005 against New Zealand.

The national selectors are expected to name a replacement for Boje in the 15-member squad soon with the first Test beginning here on Friday. — PTI

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