New Zealand all-rounder Andrew Ellis calls time on 18-year cricketing career

New Zealand and Canterbury all-rounder Andrew Ellis has decided to call time on his 18-year cricketing career. The 37-year-old finished his legendary career as only the second New Zealander to play at least 100 matches in all three forms of domestic cricket, behind leg-spinner Todd Astle. Ellis featured in 105 FC matches, 109 List-A games, and 117 T20 matches.

He also won the New Zealand domestic player of the year award two times and ends his cricketing career with 8644 runs and 494 wickets across all the three formats of the game. Ellis was also part of five Plunket Shield winning campaigns for Canterbury and also led his state to success in the 2016-17 season.

Unfortunately, his domestic success couldn’t be translated into international fame, as Ellis featured in 15 ODIs and 5 T20Is for New Zealand since making his 50-over debut against Zimbabwe during the 2011-12 season. He made his ODI debut in Dunedin, scoring 33 runs in his maiden innings but unfortunately for him, that was his career-best score.

Andrew Ellis is a contemporary of current New Zealand coach Gary Stead

Andrew Ellis has been working part-time as a regional manager, High-Performance Sport New Zealand, Christchurch and now looks to take up the role on a full-time basis. Ellis made his debut for Canterbury during the 2002-03 season and was a teammate of current New Zealand coach Gary Stead, who paid rich tributes to him.

“Elly will always stand out to me through his work ethic and desire to improve and better himself, especially early in his career when he would often be in hitting balls on the bowling machine at either end of the day. Above all, Elly was keen to help other people get the best out of themselves and this is always a great legacy to leave – he was stubborn, committed and a very successful Canterbury man,” Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

Andrew Ellis made 106 first-class appearances for Canterbury, where he garnered 5221 runs and picked up 249 wickets to his name. Canterbury captain Cole McConhie spoke on behalf of Ellis and called him heart and soul of the team.

“Elly has been the heart and soul of the team for a long time. I remember coming into the side and he really took me and the other young players under his wing. He was the utmost professional and his legacy here at Canterbury will stand the test of time. I just want to, on behalf of the whole Canterbury side, wish Elly the very best of time in life after cricket,” McConhie was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.