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New Zealand pacer Tuffey retires from all cricket

September 14, 2012 13:54 IST

Injury-plagued New Zealand pacer Daryl Tuffey has retired from both international and domestic cricket to "pursue a job opportunity in Australia."

The 34-year-old Tuffey "retired from all forms of cricket to concentrate on his work commitments with Moa Beer, and specifically to pursue a job opportunity in Australia."

"I've had a few different injuries recently and they do get tougher to come back from. It's probably been my one major regret in cricket that I haven't spent as much time on the field as I would have liked but it's part and parcel of playing the game," Tuffey said.

Daryl TuffeyTuffey represented New Zealand Auckland, Northern Districts over the course of his career, picking up 77 Test wickets and 110 ODI wickets in 123 matches.

He made his debut for Northern back in 1996/97 as an 18-year-old, coincidentally against Auckland, before forcing his way into the New Zealand in 1999/2000.

That was the start of an 11 year career in the national team that involved a two year gap due to a stint in the ICL.

"When I arrived in Auckland we had a really strong four-day team but were underperforming in the shorter forms. I think we've really managed to turn that round in a short space of time to not only win titles but develop a great winning culture within the side," Tuffey said.

Tuffey missed almost the entire last season through injury.

"There aren't many people who get the chance to get paid for playing the game they love and I feel really lucky that I've been able to do that. It's been an honour to represent my country and to be able to do so in some great places around the world has been a bonus," said Tuffey.

Paul Strang, Tuffey's coach for the last four seasons, praised him for the contribution he made to the Aces and New Zealand cricket.

"Daryl will be a huge loss to us because he brings so much to the side. He's been fantastic for us, especially in the short form stuff and contributes a lot both on and off the field."

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