Cricket: Vincent announces retirement

Lou Vincent. Photo / Dean Purcell

Former Black Cap Lou Vincent has retired from cricket.

The 34-year-old made the announcement on Twitter Monday evening ending a 16-year long career in the game.

"1134 games 718.5 hotels 834 planes 57 teams 3 punch ups 1 proud career 5pm 18th Feb 2013 I'm pulling stumps. Thank you all x," he said on Twitter.

Vincent played 23 tests for New Zealand, scoring his first of three centuries on debut against Australia in Perth in 2001, finishing with an average of 34.15.

His test high of 224 against Sri Lanka saw him become just the 10th New Zealander to score a test double century. His last test was in 2007 against South Africa.

He also made 102 appearances in the one-day game, scoring three centuries, and played nine T20s for New Zealand.

His high score of 172 from 120 balls against Zimbabwe in 2005 broke Glenn Turner's 30-year-old record for the highest ODI score by a New Zealander.

After his last ODI against Australia in 2007 he moved to England to play for Lancashire, Northamptonshire and Sussex. He continued to play first class cricket for Auckland helping the Aces reach the Twenty20 Champions League in 2011 and 2012.

Vincent has admitted to battling with depression throughout his career and raises money for mental health through his website Where is Lou.

- nzherald.co.nz