Ferguson retires from Shield cricket

South Australia batsman Callum Ferguson has announced his retirement from Sheffield Shield cricket, calling time on his first class career with the Redbacks on Thursday.

35 year old Ferguson will play his 124th and final first class match for his state against Queensland starting Sunday, having debuted in the summer of 2002/03 while still a teenager.

He has scored 8210 runs in Shield cricket, the fifth most in South Australian Sheffield Shield history with another 60 runs required in his final game to take him in to fourth and surpass Les Favell.

Ferguson also played 30 ODI's and one Test match for his country, Test player 445 for Australia when he played his sole Test match in the summer of 2016/17 against South Africa in Hobart.

An innings defeat and five straight Test losses saw Ferguson lose his place in the XI, another opportunity never afforded despite consistent seasons for the Redbacks.

Ferguson was overlooked for the season opener against Western Australia but was recalled for round two against Tasmania, only to bag a pair last week against Victoria at Glenelg Oval, the first of his career.

“I’d like to thank my family, my parents Pauline and Jim, and my wife Rhiannon who have supported me through the journey,” Ferguson said.

“I also have great gratitude for all my team-mates, coaches, SACA Members and fans who have made my time in the baggy red most enjoyable, and I have always been proud to play for this great State.

“I wish nothing but the best for the team which I believe has the talent and drive to take us to a Shield in the years to come. I’m looking forward to playing in the Marsh Cup later in the season and continuing to help mentor our young exciting players.”

The veteran right hander is set to play on in white ball cricket, and will captain the Sydney Thunder in BBL10 later this summer.

IMAGE: Cricket Australia.