NEWS
Follow UsOne of New Zealand’s finest cricketers, Martin Guptill, has finally confirmed his international retirement on January 8 (Wednesday). The Kiwi opener has played 367 international fixtures for New Zealand, scoring 23 tons across formats.
Despite last playing in 2022, Guptill is still New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in the shortest format, with 3,531 runs, almost 1,000 runs more than Kane Williamson, who is seated at No.2. Guptill is also the third-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in the ODI format (7,346 runs).
“As a young kid, it was always my dream to play for New Zealand, and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” Guptill said.
“I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.
“I want to say a huge thanks to all my teammates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell, who has coached me since the Under 19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career.
Guptill broke onto the scene with an ODI ton on debut against West Indies in 2009. Later, in 2015, he became the only New Zealand cricketer to hit a World Cup double ton when he smashed the leather against West Indies at the Wellington Stadium.
“A special thanks must also go to my manager, Leanne McGoldrick - all of the work behind the scenes never went unnoticed, and I’ll be forever appreciative of all your support.
“To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank you. Thank you, Laura, for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.
“Finally, I’d like to thank all the cricket fans here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.”
New Zealand cricket are also paying a tribute to the right-hander opener during the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Auckland, where Guptill has scored over 1,400 runs across the two white-ball formats.
