Former Wellington Firebirds veteran Stephen Murdoch has announced his retirement from domestic cricket after a 12-year professional career.

The 36-year-old debuted for Wellington in 2009 and played 76 first-class, 52 List A and 41 T20 matches for his home province before moving South to Canterbruy in 2018.

The top-order batsman amassed more than 7000 runs and 16 centuries in his efforts and holds the Wellington record for the most runs in a first-class season with 998 achieved in the 2014-15 season.

He tasted mush success in Wellington lifting the 2014 Ford Trophy and the 2014-15 and 2016-17 Super Smash titles.

He finishes his career sixth on the all-time runscorers list for Wellington, alongside the likes of Matthew Bell, Bruce Edgar and Luke Woodcock.

On calling time, Murdoch noted the influence that both associations had on his career.

“I’ve been fortunate to share changing rooms with great teammates, coaches and support staff throughout my career,” he said.

“I’ve had some fantastic memories over the years from my school teams, age group sides and club cricket through to the Wellington Firebirds and Canterbury men’s teams.

“It’s been a privilege and an honour to represent and captain two very proud associations.”

Firebirds head coach Glenn Pocknall said he will remember Murdoch for being a genuine good guy and a great teammate who scored a lot of runs.

“His contribution across the cricket community has been pretty immense,” he said.

‘’He would always be the guy that would play club cricket given the opportunity while also achieving a pretty fashionable career for Wellington.

“Steve always brought a calm demeanour to the team - he knew his game well due to his vast playing experience which enabled him to be comfortable with the type of player he was”.

Finally, Murdoch would like to thank his family for all of their support.

“My family has played a massive part in my career and I’d like to say a huge thank you to my parents, my wife Alannah and my two boys for their continued support over the years”.

Article added: Tuesday 26 May 2020