Trinidadian fast bowler Shannon Gabriel announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday (August 28).
Shannon Gabriel represented the West Indies 86 times across an international career that spanned 11 years. He a red-ball specialist, playing 59 Test matches, 25 ODIs and just two T20Is, picking up a total of 202 international wickets.
While he had an up-and-down career due to loss of form and frequent injuries, Gabriel at his best could be more than a handful for opposition batters. Tall and well-built, his steep bounce and ability to hit the deck hard fetched more than few victims. He last represented West Indies in July 2023 in a Test match against India in Port of Spain.
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Gabriel: All good things must come to an end
In an Instagram post on Wednesday (August 28), Gabriel wrote, "During the past 12 years, I have dedicated myself to playing international cricket for the West Indies. Playing this beloved game at the highest level has brought me immense joy, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Today, I am announcing my retirement from international cricket.
"Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to God for the numerous blessings and the opportunities my family and I have received during my time playing for the West Indies. Secondly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members.
"Words cannot adequately convey the appreciation I have for your hard work and support over the years. Last but not least, I am grateful to my teammates and all those who have stood by me and supported me along the way. You have made my journey to the top truly special.
"Moving forward, my plan is to continue representing my country, club, and franchise teams around the world with the same love and passion I have shown throughout my career."
Kusal Mendis ❌ Pathum Nissanka ✅
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 28, 2024
Vishwa Fernando ❌ Lahiru Kumara ✅
Sri Lanka have made two changes to their line-up for the Lord's Test match.
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Gabriel’s 13-121 against Sri Lanka at Gros Islet in 2018 remain the best Test match figures for a West Indian bowler at home. Yet, perhaps the most memorable moment of his career was a dubious one, in May 2017. With seven balls left in a Test against Pakistan, West Indies were nine down, and Gabriel had to see off the last delivery of Yasir Shah's over before batter Roston Chase could handle the last six in an attempt to draw the match.
With fielders all around the bat, Gabriel attempted to heave the ball over the leg side, but only inside-edged it onto his stumps, prompting the now-famous despairing exclamation of "Whyyyyyyy did he do that?!" from commentator Fazeer Mohammed.
Gabriel was also once suspended by the ICC for four matches, after he had been heard making a homophobic comment towards England's Joe Root in February 2019. He accepted the charges without question, but later claimed that he thought the incident had been blown out of proportion.
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