Tim Murtagh has called time on his international career, the pacer announced on Friday (November 29). The 38-year-old played three Tests, 58 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Ireland bagging 100 wickets across formats. He has signed a two-year deal with Middlesex and will be available till the end of the 2021 season.
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“This is a day that I have known has been coming for a few years since the ECB changed their regulations, but it hasn’t made the decision any easier. I’ve had eight great years playing international cricket and loved every minute of it. It’s sad that it has come to an end but a decision that I have made my peace with,” Murtagh said about his decision.
“There are many people to thank for helping me on this journey. Firstly, my amazing wife Karina and the whole family who have endured many weeks/months of me away on tour living the dream. All the management and players from Cricket Ireland who have made me feel so welcome from ‘ball one’. Also, the management at Middlesex Cricket for encouraging me to play at as high a level as I could.”
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Murtagh’s last international appearance was in the historic four-day Test against England at Lord’s where he picked 5 for 13 and 1 for 52 in the two innings. “A Test Match at Lord’s against England is a great way to finish my international career and a game I will always cherish. I wish the lads all the best for the winter tours and very much hope to help out and be involved in some capacity in the future,” he said.
“Finally, thank you for the support from everyone over in Ireland, both north and south of the border. Very much appreciated and I will be over to see everyone soon.”
Speaking about the deal with Middlesex, he revealed he’s honouring the commitment made to Angus Frazer. “I made a promise to Angus Fraser when I first started playing International cricket that if I ever had to make a choice between playing for Ireland or rewarding Middlesex for the commitment they’d shown to me over the years, that I would commit to finishing my playing days at Lord’s,” he pointed out.
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“I wouldn’t have committed my future to Middlesex unless I felt that the club shared my ambition to win trophies and we have a huge amount of young talent here to drive us forward towards that goal. Under the new coaching regime, we’ve got a harmonious dressing room that is excited for the new season to get underway and a new Captain that everyone is keen to impress.”
. The 38-year-old played three Tests, 58 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Ireland bagging 100 wickets across formats. He has signed a two-year deal with Middlesex and will be available till the end of the 2021 season.){kind=link}