England and Durham fast bowler Stephen Harmison has today confirmed his retirement from professional cricket.
‘Harmy’ represented Durham County Cricket Club in 171 limited overs matches and over 200 first class matches. His most memorable moments came in 2008 and 2009 when, after summers of outstanding performances, he went on to clinch the final wicket both times Durham won their LV= County Championship titles.
As a two time Ashes winner, Harmison was first included in the England set up in 1998 and went on to make 121 international appearances, including 63 Test Matches. His most memorable haul took place at Sabina Park (Jamaica), where he took 7-12 in 2004.
After being ranked number one bowler in the world Harmison was also named as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2005. An absolutely superb achievement that put the north east in the limelight for all the right reasons – being home to the world’s best sporting talent.
On announcing his retirement, Stephen Harmison, said, “I did not want to take the shine off such a magnificent season for Durham by announcing my retirement before it had finished.
“I may not have been able to contribute in the way I wished, but I have at least got what I most wanted out of the 2013 season – the County Championship trophy back in the cabinet at Chester-le-Street.”
Paul Collingwood “Harmy played a huge, huge part in Durham’s success” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“Whenever I got the chance to play for Durham I did. I loved coming back to play alongside my mates. No one’s more frustrated than me at how little I’ve played for Durham in the last few years, but injuries are part of being a fast bowler.”
“I had plenty of highlights in an England career that spanned nine years during which time I became the world’s top-ranked Test bowler. But my thoughts always come back to Durham. The picture which gives me the most pleasure was of me walking off the field at Canterbury on the day we won Durham’s first Championship. One hand, with its wrist broken, is clutching a stump, the other is around my brother Ben.
“It’s been such a privilege for a Northumberland lad come good to play for a fantastic county like Durham. Looking back on my career, there are many people that have played an important role so to them, and the fans, thank you.
“As my playing career has come to an end my focus is very much on the future. I’ll be taking my coaching qualifications in the winter so I can use my experiences to help support and nurture future talent. It is important to me to stay involved with Durham at some level to try and secure support that can help us improve our set up even further.”
Paul Collingwood, Durham captain, commented, “Harmy played a huge, huge part in Durham’s success. He’s a really proud North-Easterner and worked really hard to bring success to the county and the region.”
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