Nannes steps down from first-class arena

Dirk Nannes, the left-arm fast bowler, has decided to become a limited-overs specialist and has retired from the first-class game. Nannes has completed only one Sheffield Shield match for Victoria this season due to injury, but has remained a threat in the one-day and Twenty20 arena, including being part of Australia's plans.

"This decision will allow me to concentrate on 50-over and Twenty20 cricket and extend my career with Victoria and Australia," he said. "Hopefully I can continue to make a strong contribution in the shorter forms of the game for a number of seasons to come."

Nannes struggled with a hamstring tendon injury at the start of the summer but returned to help Victoria win the domestic Twenty20 tournament and gain a spot in the Champions League. He will also link up with Delhi in the IPL next month and is in contention for a spot in Australia's side for the World Twenty20.

Now 33, Nannes focussed on skiing and snowboarding in his early 20s and didn't debut for Victoria until 2006. In 23 first-class games he took 93 wickets at 25.02.

"Dirk has been an important player for us across all forms of cricket in recent years but has struggled to get on the field in four-day games this season," Cricket Victoria's chief executive Tony Dodemaide said. "In light of this and taking into account his age and desire to play the shorter formats for as long as possible, we've accepted his position and look forward to him helping Victoria achieve even more success in the future."