Rubel Hossain retires from Test cricket

Bangladesh fast bowler Rubel Hossain announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday (September 19). The 32-year-old made the announcement via Facebook, saying he wants youngsters to get more opportunities.

"I wanted to inform you about something. I have officially submitted a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and decided to retire from test cricket," he wrote.

"The longer version of cricket plays a big role in strengthening the national team’s pipeline. I think our pipeline will strengthen more if the young pacers get more opportunities. In order to provide the youngsters more opportunities in the red-ball format, I have decided to retire from Test cricket."March 

The right-arm pacer, who made his Test debut in July 2009, played 27 red-ball encounters for Bangladesh, picking up 36 wickets at an average of 76.77. 17 of his 27 Tests came in Asia, with his only five-wicket haul (5/166) coming against New Zealand in Hamilton.

However, his numbers in white-ball cricket are more impressive. He has 129 wickets in 104 ODIs, operating at an average of 34.31. In T20Is, Hossain has claimed 28 wickets in as many games at a strike rate of 20.6. He last played a Test for Bangladesh in February 2020, while his last white-ball match came in March 2021.

"I was able to play 27 Tests for Bangladesh, which is a big achievement for me. Those who have helped me during my journey with the red ball cricket, I am grateful to all of them and I hope I will get your support in the coming days as well. 

"I may have retired from Test cricket but I believe I still have a lot to give in the ODI and T20I formats for Bangladesh. I will continue playing in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) along with the other white-ball tournaments."