Todd Astle announces retirement from all forms of cricket

The 36-year-old New Zealand leg-spinner Todd Astle has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The Super Smash final was the last match of Astle’s career as Canterbury lost the finals of the tournament to the Northern Knights on Saturday, February 11.

Astle was more of a sporadic choice for the Black Caps, but it was in domestic cricket where the 36-year-old really flourished. He made 19 appearances for New Zealand across nine years, whereas he has over 300 appearances in domestic cricket. Astle leaves as Canterbury's highest wicket-taker in first-class cricket, with 334 wickets across the span of his career.

In this year’s Super Smash season, Astle finished the tournament as the seventh-highest wicket-taker of the competition with 11 wickets in 11 matches. The 36-year-old, unfortunately, could not cap off the season and his career with a title as Canterbury lost the final.

Thanks for the memories, experiences, learning, and growing: Astle

After his retirement, Astle took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell message with his fans. The 36-year-old talked about his time as a player and the memories that he made throughout his career.

"Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the experiences, the learning, and the growing; thanks for the adversity, the people, and, of course, the incredible journey it has been," Astle wrote on Instagram.

"It's time to finish as a player after 18 seasons, and I can't help but feel so proud of what you've taught and given me. It certainly has been a roller coaster with twists and turns along the way, but that's what makes the game so rewarding. I finish still enjoying the game and loving my craft. What an honor it has been to represent NZ as a Blackcap, my beloved Canterbury, and also club OBC [Old Boys Collegians]," he added.

He also became the second high-profile player representing Canterbury to announce his retirement after Amy Satterthwaite.