Papps calls time on career

Former Black Caps opener Michael Papps has retired from first-class cricket.

The Christchurch-born 38-yearold played eight tests for New Zealand and 178 first-class matches for Canterbury and Wellington, amassing more than 11,000 firstclass runs and 22 centuries for the two provinces.

He was the first man to score 10,000 Plunket Shield runs, and just last season he was the first Firebird to stroke a triple century after his magnificent unbeaten 316 against Auckland.

‘‘The personal and collective triumphs, the runs scored, the days in the dirt, and the games won and lost are all memories I will take away, but most of all it will be the people, the teams I’ve played for, both here and overseas, and the great friends I have made that I will cherish the most,’’ Papps said in a statement.

Papps also played six ODIs for New Zealand. The last time he represented the country was in 2007, when he donned the whites against South Africa in Centurion.

Many fans will no doubt remember the brutal barrage of short bowling Australian Brett Lee peppered him with in an ODI in 2005.

Lee struck Papps on the helmet at Eden Park, with the latter staggering backwards but remaining on his feet. He had already taken blows to the shoulder and the helmet in Lee’s previous over.

After Papps’ helmet was removed, it exposed a massive lump. He retired hurt and later complained of dizziness.

In calling it quits, Papps noted the influence of both provinces, thanking them for the opportunities they provided at different stages of his career,

‘‘I would like to thank the Canterbury Cricket Association for teaching me the game and giving me the best grounding a young cricketer could possibly receive, and to Cricket Wellington for enabling me to expand my horizons and providing me with a new challenge.’’

Cricket Wellington chief executive Cam Mitchell acknowledged Papps’ lengthy career.

‘‘Michael has made an immense impact on this game and we are very proud to have had him as member of our team and representative of Wellington.

‘‘He has captained the Firebirds, played match-winning and matchsaving innings, and made history with that outstanding 300.

‘‘I’m sure cricket fans around the country will join me in thanking him for the memorable moments he has been a part of through his career.’’