New Zealand Test cap number 225 Michael Papps has retired from cricket after more than 20 seasons in the game. The 38-year-old finishes with an unrivalled Plunket Shield record, having featured prominently for both Canterbury and Wellington in his career.
One of the country's most enduring veterans of the professional era, Papps had already scored 6,663 first-class runs for Canterbury, including 19 centuries, by the time he moved to the Wellington Firebirds, then went on to add a further 4,837 runs and 13 more centuries over his last seven seasons.
He became the first man to score 10,000 runs in the Plunket Shield and, just this season, hit the Wellington Firebirds' first triple century, a memorable unbeaten 316 against the Auckland Aces that will be remembered as his signature innings. Clearly still seeing the ball as sharply as ever, Cricinfo noted at the time that he was the oldest triple centurion since World War II.
Papps ultimately achieved a remarkable 12,294 first-class runs at an average of 38.66 (35 centuries, 52 half centuries) from 188 matches, as well as 5810 List A runs from 166 matches at 37.97 (12 centuries, 32 half centuries) and 1767 Twenty20 runs at 22.94 from 87 matches (nine half centuries).
He also played eight Test matches and six One-Day Internationals for his country and in the 2006/07 season produced a sensational 1005 runs from just seven first-class matches.
In announcing his retirement today, Papps noted the influence of both Canterbury and Cricket Wellington, thanking them for the opportunities they provided at different stages of his career.
“I would like to thank the Canterbury Cricket Association for teaching me the game and giving me the best grounding a young cricketer could possibly receive, and to Cricket Wellington for enabling me to expand my horizons and providing me with a new challenge,” the former Firebirds captain said.
Cricket Wellington CEO Cam Mitchell was the first to acknowledge the career of the former BLACKCAPS opener.
“Michael has made an immense impact on this game and we are very proud to have had him as member of our team and representative of Wellington." said Mitchell.
“He has captained the Firebirds, played match-winning and match-saving innings, and made history with that outstanding 300.”
Papps has a legion of fans throughout New Zealand who have enjoyed his entertaining approach to the game and his trademark cover drive. Mitchell echoed their enjoyment of a long career.
“I’m sure cricket fans around the country will join me in thanking him for the memorable moments he has been a part of throughout his career.”
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White also acknowledged Papps and what he’d given to the game.
“To make over 12,000 First Class runs over 20 seasons, Michael’s contribution to cricket has been immense,” said White.
“I want to congratulate him for a brilliant career and on behalf of NZC wish him all the best for the future.”
The last word belongs to Papps himself.
“The personal and collective triumphs, the runs scored, the days in the dirt, and the games won and lost are all memories I will take away, but most of all it will be the people, the teams I’ve played for, both here and overseas, and the great friends I have made that I will cherish the most.”
