Jimmy Maher has announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket.
Batsman announces retirement
Jimmy Maher has announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket.
Maher, 34, will make his final appearance in Queensland's Pura Cup match against South Australia, which begins in Adelaide on Friday.
The left-handed batsman played 26 one-day internationals for Australia and was part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2003, although he featured in only two games during the tournament.
He played more than 150 matches for Queensland, scoring 13,117 first-class runs at average of 38.80 including 27 centuries, and also enjoyed stints in county cricket with Durham and Glamorgan.
"You toss and turn. I haven't really slept a lot in the last week," said Maher, tears streaming down his cheeks, as he announced his decision.
"It's such a dear thing to me. The thought of never wearing the maroon cap again just doesn't sit well with me and it probably won't for a long time."
Legacy
Maher enjoyed a decorated career for Queensland as part of the side that won the state's inaugural four-day title in 1995. They have since won it a further five times.
"You've got to move on and I think it's for the right reasons," he added.
"Down the track we'll see the benefits of that. The legacy that's been built up over the last 10 or 15 years, I'm sure that won't be forgotten.
"It's something I've not looked forward to and it was never going to be easy. I'm glad it's over. I could do with a cold beer."
However, Maher may not have given up the game completely, admitting that he was open to offers from the Indian Twenty20 leagues.
