West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shane Dowrich has announced his international retirement just days after earning his first West Indies call-up in three years.
Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.
Dowrich, 32, was a surprise call-up for West Indies’ squad for their upcoming ODI series at home to England. The Barbadian had previously played just one ODI – against Ireland in early 2019 – and has an underwhelming List A record, averaging 22 with the bat from 47 matches across his 14-year professional career. Prior to his recall, Dowrich hadn’t played international cricket of any kind since featuring in West Indies’ tour of New Zealand in late 2020.
In a statement confirming Dowrich’s international retirement, Cricket West Indies director of cricket Miles Bascombe said: “We want to thank Shane for contribution when he played for West Indies. He is a disciplined, hard-working cricketer who always gave his utmost in front and behind the stumps. He had a memorable series in 2019 when he made an outstanding Test century on home soil in Barbados to help us beat England and win the Wisden Trophy.
“We respect his decision to retire and appreciate it is not an easy one to make. We wish him all the best as he steps away from the international stage.”
At the time of writing, Dowrich is yet to publicly explain his decision to retire from international cricket. The day after his recall last week, Dowrich reportedly ‘liked’ an Instagram post from DJ Bravo criticising the West Indies selection policy after his half-brother Darren missed out on selection following a superb domestic 50-over campaign. West Indies are yet to call up a replacement for Dowrich.
The first West Indies-England ODI takes place in Antigua on Sunday.
