Voges retires in second place on Test average list
AUSTRALIAN batsman Adam Voges has retired from all forms of international cricket.
The 37-year-old is second on the all-time list of Test batting averages behind only Don Bradman.
Voges, who averaged 61.87, was still a fair way behind his countryman on 99.94, but his stats are nonetheless remarkable for someone who made his debut so late. Voges only began his Test career in 2015 at the age of 35, and became the oldest ever debutant in Test cricket to hit a century when he made 130 against West Indies.
He will continue to play county cricket for Middlesex, whom he signed for only last month as an overseas player.
“I’m certainly looking forward to getting out there and playing this game,” Voges said. “I’ve had an amazing couple of years with Australia, with the Test team, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
In total, Voges played 20 Test matches, reaching three figures on five occasions. His last Test came against South Africa in November.
Voges also appeared in 31 ODIs for Australia, all before his first Test appearance, making one century.
TCP VERDICT
That Voges only broke into the Test team at the age of 35 should be an inspiration to all players. His average is largely down to the mountain of runs he scored against a depleted West Indian side in 2015 (375 without being dismissed), which was followed up with another big double ton against New Zealand. A fine player, but one you felt wasn’t as great as his average suggested