On Monday (August 14), England fast bowler Steven Finn announced his retirement from professional cricket. Finn hasn’t played red-ball cricket since 2023, when he had a knee injury.
“With immediate effect,” Finn stated in a statement, “today I am retiring from all forms of cricket.” I’ve been at war with my body for the last year, and I finally conceded. Since making my debut for Middlesex in 2005, I have counted myself very fortunate to be able to make cricket my career. The road hasn’t always been paved with roses, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
I never imagined I would play 125 games for England, much alone 36 tests. I’m leaving England, Middlesex, and Sussex with wonderful recollections of my time there and of the individuals I met there. I shall always remember those moments.
First appearing for Middlesex in 2005, Finn made his national team debut in a Test match against Bangladesh in 2010, and his One-Day International debut the following year. In 36 Tests, he took 125 wickets and helped his team to three Ashes victories. He participated in the 2015 World Cup and took 102 wickets in 69 ODI matches.
Finn, who had previously played for Middlesex, transferred to Sussex in 2022 and appeared in 19 games before suffering an injury that ended his season. Earlier this month, he made a return in a One-Day Cup match against Durham, but he was forced to leave the pitch after just four overs. After making 21 appearances in T20 Internationals, the 34-year-old retired from international play in the 50-over category in 2017, just before the Champions Trophy.
According to Sussex’s head coach, “I have had the real pleasure of watching him develop from a young bowler on the pathway to being a three times Ashes winner,” Paul Farbrace. We’ve only worked together for a short time at Hove, but in that time Steven has already shown to be an incredible example to everyone around him.
In the next weeks and months, I have no doubt that he will think fondly back on his career and the enormous impact he had on the game. Now that he’s worked so hard to come back to full shape, it’s a great regret that he can’t continue his career.