Tuffey retires from all cricket

Daryl Tuffey represented picked up 77 test and 110 one-day international wickets in 123 international matches. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former New Zealand bowler Daryl Tuffey has retired from all forms of cricket after a 16-year domestic and international career to pursue a job opportunity in Australia.

Tuffey represented Auckland, Northern Districts and New Zealand, picking up 77 test and 110 one-day international wickets in 123 international matches.

He made his debut for Northern Districts in 1996/97 as an 18-year-old before forcing his way into the New Zealand side in 1999/2000. That was the start of an 11-year career in the national team that involved a two-year gap due to a stint in the ICL Twenty20 league in India.

In 2008/09, Tuffey joined the Auckland Aces and rapidly made himself a crucial part of their line-up, particularly in the shorter forms of the game where he contributed heavily to a reversal in the Aces fortunes.

"When I arrived in Auckland, we had a really strong four-day team but were underperforming in the shorter forms," he said. "I think we've really managed to turn that around in a short space of time to not only win titles but also develop a great winning culture within the side."

Tuffey missed almost all of last season through injury and that was a factor in his decision to retire.

"I've had a few different injuries recently and they do get tougher to come back from," he said. "It's probably been my one major regret in cricket that I haven't spent as much time on the field as I would have liked but it's part and parcel of playing the game.

"There aren't many people who get the chance to get paid for playing the game they love and I feel really lucky that I've been able to do that. It's been an honour to represent my country and to be able to do so in some great places around the world has been a bonus."

Auckland coach Paul Strang said Tuffey would be missed.

"Daryl will be a huge loss to us because he brings so much to the side. He's been fantastic for us, especially in the short form stuff and contributes a lot both on and off the field. He's had a great career and contributed a huge amount to cricket in New Zealand."