Ireland Cricketer Arlene Kelly Retires and Returns to New Zealand

Arlene Kelly will retire from professional cricket following Ireland’s one-day international series against England, concluding a four-and-a-half-year international career, according to the announcement.

Final Career Appearance Against England in Worcester

The 32-year-old all-rounder will play her final match on Sunday in Worcester. Ireland enters the fixture trailing the three-game series 2-0. Kelly’s departure marks the end of an international tenure that began shortly after her relocation from New Zealand.

Having made her debut against South Africa in June 2022, Kelly went on to make 110 appearances for Ireland. Across those fixtures, she claimed 135 wickets. According to team statistics, that total ranks her third in all-time wickets for Ireland, trailing only Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.

Batting Contributions and Return to New Zealand

Alongside her bowling statistics, Kelly contributed over 600 runs with the bat for Ireland, registering high scores of 35 in both Twenty20 Internationals and One Day Internationals. She cited a desire to return home as the primary driver behind her decision to step away.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I’ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field,” Kelly said, according to the retirement announcement. “However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends.”

Kelly added that she plans to keep supporting the squad from afar. “This has been a very special changing room to be a part of, and I know that this group is capable of achieving so much. I will be actively following and supporting the team from the other side of the boundary boards,” she said.

Captain Gaby Lewis on Kelly’s Ascent and Departure

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis noted that the team could not have predicted Kelly’s trajectory when she first arrived in domestic club cricket. According to Lewis, the transition from an overseas player at Malahide Cricket Club to an indispensable core squad member exceeded all initial expectations.

“Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years,” Lewis said, as reported by team officials. “She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don’t think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.”

Lewis acknowledged the personal challenges Kelly faced while maintaining an international career far from her native country. “We know how difficult it has been for her being so far away from her family for such a long time,” Lewis said. “Although we’re going to miss her hugely, we’re really happy for her to be heading home and being closer to the people she loves.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Arlene Kelly’s final cricket match?

Kelly’s final international match takes place on Sunday in Worcester during the concluding game of Ireland’s ODI series against England, according to the team’s schedule.

How many wickets did Arlene Kelly take for Ireland?

Where is Arlene Kelly going after her retirement?

Kelly plans to return to New Zealand to be close to her family and friends after spending more than four years playing professional cricket in Ireland, according to her retirement statement.

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