Patel retires

AUCKLAND, July 16: New zealand off-spinner Dipak Patel announced his retirement from international cricket today, saying he would like to b...

By: Associated Press

July 17, 1997 12:00 AM IST

1 min read

AUCKLAND, July 16: New zealand off-spinner Dipak Patel announced his retirement from international cricket today, saying he would like to begin coaching the sport.

The 38-year-old stepped down against the wishes of the national selectors and coach Steve Rixon. Patel cited family commitments and the pressures of long tours.

8220;I8217;m grateful that I was allowed ten years of international cricket,8221; he said. 8220;It would probably have never happened if I had stayed in England.8221;Kenyan-born and English-bred, Patel moved to New Zealand in 1985 after being enticed here by former New Zealand captain and batsman Martin Crowe.

He has played 37 Tests, scoring 1,200 runs at an average of 20.68 with a highest score of 99 vs England and taking 75 wickets.

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