Callum Ferguson to call it a day from first class cricket after Sheffield Shield 2020-21

Australian batsman Callum Ferguson has decided to retire from first-class cricket after the ongoing edition of the Sheffield Shield. The right-hander made his red-ball debut way back in 2004 and has now been a stalwart for South Australia for 16 years. He hasn’t had the greatest of outings in the ongoing first-class tournament, scoring a mere 69 runs from four games at an average of 17.25.

The veteran was left out for the team’s opening fixture in the Sheffield Shield. He returned to the eleven but ended up bagging a pair against Victoria. His farewell match would be against Queensland, starting November 8 at the Glideroi Stadium in Adelaide.

After making the tough call of retirement, the 35-year-old expressed gratitude to the ones, who have helped him through thick and thin throughout his career. Nevertheless, he wishes to continue playing for his state in the one-day cup and for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL).

I have always been proud to play for South Australia: Callum Ferguson

“I’d like to thank my family, my parents Pauline and Jim, and my wife Rhiannon who have supported me through the journey. I also have great gratitude for all my team-mates, coaches, SACA Members and fans who have made my time in the baggy red most enjoyable, and I have always been proud to play for this great State,” Ferguson was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

“I wish nothing but the best for the team which I believe has the talent and drive to take us to a Shield in the years to come. I’m looking forward to playing in the Marsh Cup later in the season and continuing to help mentor our young exciting players,” he stated.

James Pyke, the South Australia chairman of selectors, also lauded Ferguson on a stupendous career. “Callum has been an integral part of the South Australian system for many years and he should be extremely proud of all that he has done for cricket in this State,” Pyke said.

In 146 first-class games, Ferguson has scored 9,278 runs at an average of 36.81 with 20 centuries and 48 half-centuries. He also played a solitary Test against South Africa back in November 2016 in Hobart where he could only score four runs.