Published: Jan 08, 2013, 05:11 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 08, 2013, 05:11 PM (IST)
Paul Harris has 103 Test wickets to his name, including three five-wicket hauls © Getty Images
Johannesburg: Jan 8, 2013
Paul Harris, the South African left-arm spinner, has announced his retirement from cricket at the end of the 2012-13 season.
In a 14-year career, Harris played 37 Tests and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Proteas and helped them rise to the top of the world rankings. He was also part of South Africa’s overseas triumphs in England and Australia in 2008.
Harris has 103 Test wickets to his name, behind Hugh Tayfield and Paul Adams among South African spinners. This included three five-wicket hauls — against Pakistan in 2007, Australia in 2009 and England the same year.
He has also played over 123 first-class matches during which he took 394 wickets at an economy rate of 2.70. Harris represented the Nashua Titans.
“I will be retiring from cricket at the end of the 2012-13 season,” Harris told Cricket South Africa’s website.
“I would like to thank the Titans franchise for all the opportunities that they have given me over the past 10 years. I have made many friends through cricket and I have had so many great experiences.
“I would like to thank all the people who have helped me over my career. A special mention must go to Richard Pybus, who had the biggest coaching influence on my career. I am sure that I would not have played for South Africa if it had not been for him.
“I would also like to thank Ian Repton, the Nashua Titans physiotherapist; he really has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help me stay on the park over the last 10 years. A big thank you also goes to my agent and friend, Barney Girnun; he has been there from the start and has always supported me through thick and thin.
“Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Marilet. The love and support that she has shown throughout my career has been unreal. It is not always easy being a cricketer’s wife, and she has been a pillar of strength. I am now going to enjoy being a Titans and Proteas supporter.”
