Bravo quits international cricket ahead of World Cup

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has quit all forms of international cricket just eight months before the ICC Cricket World Cup in England, bringing the curtain down on an absorbing career which saw him carve a niche in the shorter formats.
The 35-year-old Trinidadian, who also quit Test cricket in 2015, announced his retirement late Wednesday on the eve of the first semi-final of the Regional Super50 between Guyana Jaguars and Jamaica Scorpions at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
“I want to confirm to the cricket world that I have officially retired from International cricket in all formats of the game,” Bravo said in a statement.
“After 14 years when I made my debut for the WI, I still remember that moment I received the maroon cap before walking onto the Lord’s cricket ground against England in July 2004. The enthusiasm and passion I felt then, I have kept with me throughout my career.
“However, I must accept that for me to preserve my longevity as a professional cricketer, I must do as others before have done, leave the international arena for the next generation of players.”
Despite steering Trinbago Knight Riders to back-to-back titles in the Caribbean Premier League in the last two seasons, Bravo has been repeatedly overlooked for international duty in the shortest format.
And his campaign in the ongoing Regional Super50 has been less than stellar, with just 69 runs and seven wickets in five outings, putting in doubt any participation in next year’s World Cup.
Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave said recently that Bravo was now competing against the likes of fellow all-rounders Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Carlos Brathwaite and Rovman Powell, but said the door remained open for the veteran “once he performs in Super50.”
Bravo turned out in 40 Tests for West Indies, scoring 2200 runs at an average of 31, and taking 86 wickets at an average of nearly 40. He made three hundreds and 13 half-centuries.
In 164 One-Day Internationals, Bravo garnered 2968 runs at an average of 25 with two hundreds, while picking up 199 wickets at an average of 29.
Bravo also played 66 T20 Internationals, making 1142 runs and taking 52 wickets.
Significantly, Bravo was a member of every title-winning West Indies side over the last two decades.