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Shannon Gabriel Announces Retirement from International Cricket
West Indies Fast Bowler Shannon Gabriel Retires from International Cricket
Shannon Gabriel, the prominent West Indies fast bowler, has announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 12-year career that saw him feature in 86 international matches. Gabriel, aged 36, shared the news on his Instagram account, reflecting on his journey and expressing his gratitude.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Over his career, Gabriel made significant contributions, particularly in Test cricket, where he played 59 of his 86 international games. His Test debut came in 2012 during a match at Lord’s, and he soon became a key player in the West Indies’ pace attack. Gabriel achieved a notable record with 166 Test wickets at an average of 32.21. Among his standout performances were six five-wicket hauls and the remarkable match figures of 13 for 121 against Sri Lanka in June 2018, which rank as the fourth-best for a West Indian cricketer. Gabriel’s last Test appearance was against India at Port of Spain last year.
Acknowledgements and Future Plans
In his retirement announcement, Gabriel expressed deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his career. He thanked God for the blessings, Cricket West Indies administrators, coaches, and staff members for their hard work and support. Gabriel also extended his gratitude to his teammates and all who supported him, noting that their encouragement made his journey unforgettable.
Looking ahead, Gabriel plans to continue representing his country, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as participating in club and franchise cricket around the world. He intends to bring the same enthusiasm and dedication to these roles as he did throughout his international career.
Challenges and Controversies
Gabriel’s career was not without its challenges. He faced notable lows, including a controversial moment during the 2017 Dominica Test against Pakistan when he was dismissed by Yasir Shah while attempting a risky slog sweep with only seven balls remaining. Additionally, Gabriel was suspended for four One Day Internationals in 2019 due to a homophobic slur directed at Joe Root in St Lucia. Despite these setbacks, Gabriel’s contributions to West Indies cricket remain highly regarded.
