Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O'Brien announced yesterday that he is retiring from international cricket after a 16-year career. O'Brien, 36, who made his international debut against Denmark in 2002, played 216 times for Ireland and appeared in his nation's first-ever Test, against Pakistan, in May this year.

"I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to represent my country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back with nothing but smiles and laughter," he said.