Paul Harris Announces Retirement

Paul Harris Announces Retirement

Paul Harris took 103 wickets in a Test career that lasted from 2007 until 2011

©REUTERS / Action Images

South African left-arm spinner Paul Harris has announced that he will retire from cricket at the end of the 2012/13 season after a 14-year career.

Harris played 37 Tests and three One-Day Internationals for the Proteas between 2007 and 2011, playing a key part in South Africa's rise to the top of the Test rankings, helping them win key series in England and Australia in 2008.

He took 103 wickets in his Test career, ranking third behind Hugh Tayfield and Paul Adams among South African spinners and one of only four to take more than 100 wickets.

He took three five-wicket hauls - against Pakistan in 2007, Australia in 2009 and England later the same year.

Harris made his first-class debut in the 1998/99 season for Western Province and moved to the Nashua Titans in 2002 before changing course again in 2009 when he switched to the Highveld Lions, returning to the Titans again in 2010, in a career that yielded 394 wickets in 123 games. He also represented Warwickshire between 2006 and 2007.

For the latest cricket odds open an account with bet365 today and qualify for up to £200 in free bets.

"I will be retiring from cricket at the end of the 2012/13 season," Harris confirmed. "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."

© Cricket World 2013