Dawid Malan Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Star England batter Dawid Malan has announced his retirement from international cricket. Malan, who last played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, has had a prolific career with 4,416 runs across all formats. Despite a successful run, he cited it was time to step away from the game.

Star England batter Dawid Malan announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday. Malan last appeared for England in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and has since not featured in any international fixtures.

Throughout his career, Malan played 114 matches across all formats, including 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is. He accumulated 4,416 runs at an average of 37.74, achieving eight centuries and 31 fifties. Malan initially made a significant impact with a 44-ball 78 against South Africa in his T20I debut in June 2017, a format in which he particularly excelled.

Reflecting on his career, Malan described his journey with the Three Lions as incredible since July 2017. "It has been an incredible journey since July 2017. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to play for England in all three formats," Malan was quoted by the ICC.

Malan acknowledged the common sentiment of retiring cricketers, expressing no regrets over his career. "Cricket, like most sports, is an industry where almost everyone eventually retires wishing they had done that little bit more. Whether you've played ten Tests or 100, many step away regretting not playing just one more, scoring a few more runs, or winning more trophies. Right now, as I retire from international cricket, I can say I am genuinely satisfied. It has not been easy. It may be my nature, but for whatever reason, it has always seemed that I had something to prove and often felt as if I was playing for my place. The pressure goes with the territory, but it does take a mental and physical toll. Even so, I look back with pride on what I have been able to achieve," he added.

Malan was a key player in England's T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2022, despite being sidelined for the knockout stages due to a groin injury. In ODIs, he continued to shine, scoring five centuries in 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023, which secured his position as an opener for the 2023 World Cup. His century against Bangladesh was a highlight of England's campaign, although the team was eliminated in the group stages.

Malan concluded the tournament as England's top run-scorer with 404 runs, including one century and two fifties, despite the team's early exit. His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in English cricket. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)