“When I started out as a young kid bowling in the nets in Timaru, I never dreamed I would have gone on to enjoy the career that I’ve had,” Bennett was quoted as saying by nzc.nz.
“From Old Boys Timaru Cricket Club who got me involved in cricket at the start, Timaru Boys’ High School, South Canterbury Cricket, Canterbury Cricket, Cricket Wellington, and New Zealand Cricket, as well as all the other great clubs I’ve played for down the years, they’ve all played a role in helping me achieve my cricket dream. I’ve been so fortunate to work and play alongside so many great players, captains and coaches and I’d like to thank every one of them for their support over the years.”
Bennett made his first-class debut for Canterbury in 2005 and played till the 2015-16 season, before moving to Wellington. In all, he has 261 wickets in 79 first-class matches, 160 wickets in 112 List A games and 78 wickets in 87 T20s. He has won 12 domestic titles, including five Plunket Shields, two Ford Trophy titles, four Super Smash titles and one Super Smash trophy as Wellington Blaze’s coach.
He was part of New Zealand’s 2011 World Cup side where he played four matches, following which he was out for three years before returning to play two ODIs against India at home in 2014.
“Men’s and women’s cricket in New Zealand is in an exciting place, so I’m looking forward to putting the feet up and watching the game grow from the sidelines,” Bennett said.
“It’s been an honour to represent my family and my country for New Zealand and those memories and experiences will be ones that I cherish and tell stories about for the rest of my life.”
Bennett though will continue playing for the Old Tablelands Cricket Club in Martinborough, while also pursuing a career in coaching.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo