West announces retirement from international cricket

Cricket Ireland today announced that Regan West has retired from international cricket due to a serious shoulder injury.

The 31 year old left arm spinner played 38 times for Ireland, making his debut against Kenya in August 2008, while his last appearance came against England one year and two days later, on 27 August 2009.

West took 56 wickets in that time, at a healthy average of 25.38, taking five wickets in an innings on two occasions. His best return was an impressive 7 for 88 against Scotland at Aberdeen in 2009. He played a pivotal role as Ireland reached the Super Eight phase of the World Twenty20 in England in June 2009, and his premature retirement is a huge blow to Irish cricket.

Cricket Ireland physiotherapist Kieran O?Reilly outlined the nature of West?s injuries which have forced his retirement: ?Regan has undergone three surgical repairs and one failed hyperdilatation procedure on his left shoulder joint and rotator cuff. The latest of these was in September, and Regan has worked tremendously hard throughout his rehabilitation, overcoming setbacks with notable perseverance which is of great credit to him.

"He has limited range of movement coupled with joint degeneration and as a result Regan has been advised not to bowl in the future, as it will likely contribute to further damage of his shoulder joint. Myself and David Minion have found Regan an absolute pleasure to work with and his application, compliance and work ethic has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation."

A disappointed Regan West said:"I'm pretty gutted with the outcome really. At the beginning it wasn't a case of if I would bowl again, it was just how long it would take to recover. My left shoulder is not in good shape, so the recommendation that I shouldn't bowl again didn't come as a surprise but it is still very disappointing.

"I had a brilliant time playing for Ireland and have gained a lot of very good memories. The team environment is special in many ways, and I will miss that the most. Being part of the Ireland team has been the highlight and most enjoyable time of my cricket career. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to represent Ireland, and it is sad for me that that is now over.

"I received a lot of support from many people during my injury period and would now like to take the opportunity to say thank you. Cricket Ireland's contribution was immeasurable in ensuring that I had everything I needed to recover from my injuries and return to play as soon as possible. I am very grateful for their endless support - it has been crucial to my progress and is very much appreciated.

"I am also very grateful for the support of Sport NI and in particular the medical team at SINI. I would like to say a special thank you to Dave Minion (physio) at SINI, Dr Mike Webb, and all the rest of the medical team who worked tirelessly in assisting me with my recovery and rehab. Finally, I would like to thank the coach (Phil Simmons), Kieran O'Reilly, and all the players for their ongoing encouragement and support. It meant a lot to know that everyone was behind me and hoping for a quick recovery."

Ireland coach Phil Simmons paid tribute to West saying: " Regan is a massive loss to the Irish squad. His whole heartedness and dedication will be missed. I personally would like to thank him for his efforts, not just when he was in the team, but in the last six months in his battle to be fit enough to be in an environment he has enjoyed. I want to wish him and his family all the best for the future."