New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett set to retire after 2021/22 season

Bennett last represented New Zealand in a T20I against Bangladesh in Mirpur in September 2021. He made his debut in October 2010 and represented New Zealand in one Test, 19 ODIs and 11 T20Is. In all, he picked up 33 wickets in ODIs and 10 wickets in T20Is.

"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 told the official New Zealand Cricket website.

“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."

Bennett was part of the 2011 Men's World Cup squad, where he took six wickets in four matches, including a career-best 4/16 against Kenya. “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.”

Thanking his teammates and the coaching staff, Bennett added: "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 also lauded the current crop of players coming through in New Zealand cricket, stating that he would keenly follow their progress from the sidelines. "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."