Brendon Diamanti retires from domestic cricket

Brendon Diamanti, the New Zealand and Central Districts allrounder, has retired from domestic cricket in order to spend more time with his family. Diamanti, 29, played only one ODI and one Twenty20 international for New Zealand but was a regular for Central Districts in all three formats.

"After some months of deliberation I have decided that my priorities in life have changed and I want to spend more time with my family," Diamanti told NZPA. "I also felt that I had achieved what I wanted as a player at first-class level and that the time was right to step aside and allow someone else the opportunity."

Diamanti, a lower-order batsman and medium-pace bowler, made his debut for Central Districts in 2003 and scored two hundreds in 27 Plunket Shield matches. He averaged 25.72 as a batsman and took 57 wickets at 34.77 apiece. He played 59 List A matches and averaged 28 with both bat and ball.

"We are sad to be losing Brendon to retirement as he has been a major contributor both on and off the field," Central Districts chief executive Hugh Henderson, who was surprised by Diamanti's decision, said. "Brendon is a complete professional and has always demonstrated the commitment and work ethic required to succeed."