Smith had disappointing World Cup qualifying and Twenty20 campaigns

Scotland and Aberdeenshire wicketkeeper Colin Smith has retired from international cricket at the age of 36.

He becomes the third veteran to quit following a disappointing run of results - Craig Wright and John Blain also ended their Scotland careers.

Scotland failed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, only just managing to retain their one-day international status.

Smith played 181 times for his country since his 1999 debut, contributing 206 catches and 55 stumpings.

He also scored 3,763 runs, an average of 23.67, with his highest score being 93 against Kenya in 2004.

But Smith had a poor World Cup qualifying campaign and failed to score against South Africa and New Zealand in the ICC World Twenty20 that followed.

Smith had planned to retire at the end of the season but explained that he had brought the date forward after discussions with national coach Pete Steindl.

Colin Smith has earned his place in the pantheon of great Scottish cricketers Scotland squad team manager Euan McIntyre

"Pete told me he wants to build the team for the challenges of four years' time and no-one can criticise him for that," he said.

"I wanted to be involved with the World Cup qualifier in South Africa and the World Twenty20 in England.

Now that these competitions are over, there seemed no reason to delay making my decision public.

"I have had some great times and shared in good results with my team-mates over the past 10 years.

"I remain astonished that an amateur cricketer like me can have the opportunity to play against every world-class nation, and most of their world-class players, on some of the most beautiful grounds in the world."

Euan McIntyre, the Scotland squad's team manager and director of operations for Cricket Scotland, paid his own tribute.

"Colin has been a most outstanding member of the squad for all these years and an object lesson to all who would seek to follow him," he said.

"He has contributed hugely to our successes, with gloves and with bat.

"He has earned his place in the pantheon of great Scottish cricketers and I feel sure he will look back with satisfaction on a career of exceptional achievement."

All-rounder Wright had announced his retirement after the Twenty20 campaign.

Meanwhile, seam bowler Blain had reportedly walked out on the Scots following a disagreement with new captain Gavin Hamilton during preparations for the tournament.

Following the tournament, Hamilton hinted that new talent was needed to turn Scotland's fortunes around.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version