Will Somerville, a former off-spinner for New Zealand, will retire from professional cricket at the conclusion of the domestic season.
Somerville played six Tests between 2018 and 2021, collecting 15 wickets, including seven on his debut in Abu Dhabi, when he helped New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 123 runs.
Will Somerville retires
“I’ve accomplished more than I imagined I could after turning 30 and becoming a professional cricketer,” he remarked. I have played professionally for nine years and have enjoyed every minute of it.
Somerville began his first-class career with Otago in 2004-05 before relocating to Australia, where he represented New South Wales from 2014-15 to 2017-18 following a six-year absence. He also played for Sydney Sixers in the BBL.
After coming home, he joined Auckland in 2018-19 and received an international call-up for the Pakistan series in the United Arab Emirates. In early 2020, he got the opportunity to play at the SCG against Australia, whose roster included a number of his former New South Wales teammates. His final Test took place against India in Mumbai late in 2021.
Early next month in Nelson, Somerville will play his final first-class game against Central Stags. Before the current series of Plunket Shield matches, he has amassed 156 first-class wickets at an average of 29.57.
“Will is an all-around fantastic person and is unquestionably the ‘Dad’ of the locker room,” stated Auckland coach Doug Watson. The lads will definitely miss his composure, modesty, and bowling ability.
