Sayers announces first-class retirement

South Australia fast bowler Chadd Sayers has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. Sayers will represent his team one last time against Victoria at Junction Oval, Melbourne on Saturday (April 3), which will bring an end to an illustrious decade-long career, in which he has picked up more than 300 competitive wickets. 

After being ignored by the Australian selectors for a long time, Sayers finally got a chance to don the baggy green, when he made his Test debut against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2018 in which he picked up just a couple of wickets as Australia succumbed to a massive 492-run loss. It turned out to be his only appearance for Australia. "I believe the timing is now right for me to step away from first-class cricket at the conclusion of this season. I have enjoyed every moment, the highs and lows, and all the memories in between, but I feel that it is time - I now have a young family and there were no guarantees of a contract next year," the 33-year-old said in an official release.

Sayers' best Sheffield Shield season was in 2016-17 when he picked up 62 wickets in the season, 12 more than Jon Holland, who was second on the list as South Australia made it to the final. His effort earned him the player of the season.

West End Redbacks Head Coach Jason Gillespie said: "Everyone at SACA congratulates and thanks Chadd for his impressive and unwavering service to the State for the last decade and wishes him well for the next stage of his life, including enjoying time with his young family." 

"Chadd will always be welcome through the gates of Adelaide Oval, and he will remain a benchmark for our bowlers and young players for years to come," he added.

Sayers will play his 71st and final match for South Australia this Saturday. He has also represented Gloucestershire and Australia A at the first-class level.