Melbourne: Cricket Australia (CA) has congratulated Australia spinner Michael Beer following his announcement to retire from all forms of the game at the age of 34.
CA CEO Kevin Roberts acknowledged the “great contribution” made by the cricketer to Australian cricket and lauded him for his achievements.
“Michael has made a great contribution to Australian cricket over the course of his career, at an international level and a domestic level in Western Australia and Victoria. We congratulate him on his achievements,” Roberts said.
“Michael played a critical role in being part of the establishment of the city-based BBL and played for the Scorchers and Stars. He will be remembered for his calmness and consistency with the ball during the power-play,” he added.
Despite the retirement, Michael will continue working as Director of Cricket at Wesley College in Melbourne. Roberts applauded the decision and wished him the best for his future engagements.
“We’re pleased to hear that Michael is continuing to work in the game as Director of Cricket at Wesley College in Melbourne. His passion for coaching and developing the next generation of players should be applauded,” Roberts said.
“We wish Michael all the best in his retirement from cricket and look forward to his continued involvement in the game,” he added.
Michael made his Test debut for Australia during the 2010-11 Ashes at the SCG, earning his call-up after taking five wickets in the match against a touring England side.
He last represented Australia against the West Indies in 2012. His international career saw him take three wickets, averaging 59.33. Beer’s claim to fame was his first wicket which was taken away from him after he was found to bowl a front foot no-ball to Alaistair Cook.
A left-arm spinner who toiled at St Kilda Cricket Club in Melbourne for several seasons, Beer moved to Western Australia during the 2010 off-season to become their front-line spinner, under former Bupa Support Team Head Coach, Mickey Arthur, and current, Justin Langer.
Michael’s First-Class career spanned four seasons between 2010 and 2014, where he played 30 matches, taking 74 wickets at an average of 40.37.
In addition, Michael has represented Victoria in One-Day cricket and played 58 matches in the Big Bash League. He launched his BBL career in Perth, playing a key role for the Scorchers before the Stars lured him back to Melbourne in a historic first BBL trade deal.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]