Trent Johnston has announced his retirement from international and representative cricket. The 39-year-old will end his Ireland career after the ICC InterContinental Cup final in Dubai in December, which takes place following the World Twenty20 Qualifiers. The Australian-born bowler and lower order batsman played 186 times for his adopted nation including two World Cups. Johnston outlined his reasoning for calling time on an outstanding career. “It’s been a difficult decision and I’ve racked my brains ever since I came back from the UAE in March. It’s becoming harder to recover after matches now, so much so that I can hardly walk for a couple of days.
'TJ' was the captain for the breakthrough victory against Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup and has been one of the core players in Ireland's rise up the world rankings. He is our third highest wicket taker ever and achieved the first hat-trick by an Irish player since 1877 against Gloucestershire. However none of his achievements will ever quite surpass his chicken dance after dismissing Indian great Virender Sehwag.
http://youtu.be/y3iTl1fWndQ
Johnston will stay involved in cricket and hopes to pursue a career in coaching.
Some former teammates paid tribute to Johnston on Twitter.
Congrats to @Green23 on a superb career. Glad I got to play as much as I did alongside him. #legendofirishcricket
— George Dockrell (@georgedockrell) July 15, 2013
@Green23 great career Heavy Vet. Inspirational figure in Irish cricket. Big shoes to fill #legend
— Ed Joyce (@edjoyce24) July 15, 2013
Picture credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
