Kevin O’Brien has decided to retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs). He captained Ireland four times, from which they won thrice.
O’Brien is Ireland’s third-highest ODI run-getter, amassing 3,618 runs in 153 matches, averaging 29.41 at a strike rate of 88.72. He is also their all-time highest wicket-taker in the format, returning 114 wickets. His 68 catches are the most by any Irish player as well.
‘After 15 years playing for Ireland, I feel now is the right time to step away and retire from ODI cricket,’ O’Brien quoted saying in a statement. ‘I don’t feel I can contribute to the ODI team as much as I have in the past. The hunger and love for the ODI format is no longer the same as it was and it wouldn’t be fair to Andrew, Graham, the team and our supporters to continue to play while no longer feeling at 100%.’
O’Brien’s most remarkable knock came against England in Bangalore in the ICC World Cup 2011. Chasing 329, he brought up his century in just 50 deliveries, which still remains the fastest World Cup century. His 63-ball 113, which eventually ended up by a run out, helped Ireland to reach the target with five balls to spare.
O’Brien will continue playing Test cricket and T20Is. He has played 95 T20Is so far, scoring 1672 runs at 136 and claiming 58 wickets at 7.53. In his three Tests, he has 258 runs, averaging 51.6. He scored the first Test match hundred for Ireland, against Pakistan, on debut.