Ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, England pacer announces international retirement

England pacer Steven Finn on August 14, 2023 officially retired from all formats of cricket. The decision to retire resulted from a knee injury that has kept Finn sidelined from domestic cricket for the past 12 months. At the age of 34, he has concluded his career. Throughout his cricket journey, Finn played in a total of 126 matches across all three formats for England and secured 254 wickets.

3 things you need to know

• Steven Finn is the only English player to take a hat-trick in the ODI World Cup
• He was part of the Ashes 2010 squad that clinched their first series win in Australia since 1987
• Finn played in a total of 126 matches across all formats for England from 2010 to 2017

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Steven Finn announces retirement

Steven Finn released a statement published on ICC's official website, where he expressed his gratitude to Sussex Cricket for their support, especially in the past year, and reflected on his time with the club. Finn mentioned his retirement with a sense of fulfillment for having exceeded his initial dreams. He thanked those who followed his career, particularly his parents who encouraged his cricket aspirations from a young age.

"Today I am retiring from all forms of cricket with immediate effect," read Finn's statement. "I have been fighting a battle with my body for the last 12 months and have admitted defeat to it.

"To have played 125 games for England, including 36 Tests, far surpassed what I dreamed of. I want to thank Sussex Cricket for their support over the last 12 months especially and for welcoming me wholeheartedly into the club at the beginning of last season.

"It really is a great place to play cricket and I'm sorry that I wasn't able to play more of a part on the field since joining the club.

"I retire with some amazing memories with England, Middlesex, and Sussex, shared with fantastic people. Those will live with me forever.

"Thank you to all the people who have followed and supported my career, especially my parents who allowed me to chase my dream when I was a youngster.

"Cricket has given me a lot and I hope to give back to the game in some capacity in the future. But, for now, I'll enjoy watching on without wondering whether my body will be able to make it through another day's cricket. Thank you."

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Finn's exploits with the English cricket team

Finn was part of two Ashes victories in 2010 when England clinched their first series win in Australia since 1986/87 and again in 2013 on home soil.

An additional feather in Finn's cap is his unique achievement of being the only English bowler to achieve a hat-trick in an ODI World Cup match. This remarkable feat occurred during the 2015 World Cup's opening game against Australia, where he dismissed Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Johnson in succession.

Image: AP