Irish keeper to vacate stumps

– Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O’Brien said yesterday that he is retiring from all cricket after a 16-year career.

The 36-year-old, who made his debut against Denmark in 2002, played 216 times for Ireland and appeared in his nation’s first-ever Test, against Pakistan, in May this year.

O’Brien opted for the No 72 shirt to mark his match-winning score in Ireland’s famous win against Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup. –