Hamish Bennett, a 35-year-old New Zealand paceman, has declared that he will retire from cricket after the 2021/22 season and pursue a teaching career.
Bennett last played for New Zealand against Bangladesh in a Twenty20 International in Mirpur in September 2021. He earned his New Zealand debut in October 2010 and has played in one Test, 19 One-Day Internationals, and 11 Twenty20 Internationals. He took 33 wickets in ODIs and 10 wickets in T20Is in total.
Bennett told the official New Zealand Cricket website, “I never anticipated I’d go on to enjoy the career that I’ve had when I started out as a little child bowling in the nets in Timaru.”
“They’ve all had a role in helping me realise my cricket dream, from Old Boys Timaru Cricket Club, Timaru Boys’ High School, South Canterbury Cricket, Canterbury Cricket, Cricket Wellington, and New Zealand Cricket, as well as all the other fantastic teams I’ve played for throughout the years.”
Bennett was a member of the 2011 Men’s World Cup squad, taking six wickets in four games, including a career-high 4/16 against Kenya. “It’s been an honour to represent my family and country for New Zealand, and those memories and experiences will be ones I remember and recount for the rest of my life.”
“I’ve been so lucky to work and play with so many outstanding players, captains, and coaches, and I’d like to thank every one of them for their support throughout the years,” Bennett said, thanking his teammates and the coaching staff.
Bennett also praised the current crop of New Zealand cricket players, saying that he would be watching their progress from the sidelines. “Men’s and women’s cricket in New Zealand are in a great situation right now, so I’m looking forward to kicking my feet up and watching the game develop from the sidelines.”
