GARY BALLANCE Former English Cricketer, Announces His Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket at Age of 33
GARY BALLANCE Former English Cricketer, Announces His Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket, announces retirement from all forms of professional cricket at the age of 33. Ballance had recently signed a two-year deal to play for his native Zimbabwe after being released by Yorkshire but has decided to call time on his career.
Gary Ballance: Career
Ballance had a unique batting style, with an open stance and the ability to score runs quickly. However, his career was not without its challenges. He struggled to establish himself in the England team, and his form dipped after a strong start to his international career. He was dropped from the England squad in 2017 after a poor run of form, and did not feature in the team again.
Despite this setback, Ballance continued to perform well for Yorkshire. He was a key member of the team that won the County Championship in 2014 and 2015, scoring 1,551 runs in the 2014 season alone. He was named the Professional Cricketers’ Association Player of the Year in 2014, and was also named in the County Championship Team of the Year in both 2014 and 2015.
Ballance’s move to Zimbabwe was seen as an opportunity for him to revive his international career. He was given the chance to play in all three formats of the game, and he made an impressive start with an unbeaten 137 in his only Test appearance for Zimbabwe. However, he only played one T20 and five ODI matches for the team, and has now decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket.
Gary Ballance: Retirement Statement
In his retirement statement, Ballance thanked Zimbabwe Cricket for the opportunity to return to international cricket. He also expressed his gratitude to all his clubs, coaches, support staff, teammates, and supporters for their guidance and encouragement over his career. He acknowledged that he had been fortunate to have some incredibly memorable moments in cricket, including winning County Championships with Yorkshire and representing England and Zimbabwe.
However, Ballance cited a lack of desire to continue dedicating himself to the rigours of professional sport as the reason for his retirement. He believed that carrying on would do Zimbabwe Cricket and the game itself a disservice. While his decision may have come as a surprise to some, it is important to respect his choice and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Ballance’s retirement is a reminder of the challenges faced by professional cricketers. The sport is physically and mentally demanding, and players are under constant pressure to perform at their best. The COVID-19 pandemic has added to these challenges, with players having to spend extended periods of time in bio-secure bubbles and away from their families.
However, it is also a testament to the resilience and determination of cricketers. Despite the challenges, players continue to push themselves to be the best they can be. They continue to strive for excellence and to make their mark on the sport.
