New Zealand seamer Mills retires from cricket

Auckland, April 1 (IANS) New Zealand seamer Kyle Mills on Wednesday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Mills, 36, ends a 17-year first-class career a day after teammate Daniel Vettori also confirmed his retirement.

The pair were part of the Black Caps' thrilling World Cup campaign which ended with a loss to Australia in the final at Melbourne on Sunday.

Mills, however, didn't feature in any of New Zealand's matches in the World Cup, shut out by the strong form of his teammates.

He represented New Zealand in 170 one-day internationals, 42 Twenty20s and 19 Tests.

He finishes as the country's second-highest One-Day International (ODI) wicket-taker with 240 scalps over 14 years, bettered only by Vettori's 305.

"The time is right for me to step away from playing this great game and devote more time to my family who have sacrificed so much," Mills said in a statement.

"There have been many good times and some tough times on the field over the years, but my best memories will be of the team camaraderie and having the time of my life playing cricket for my country with my mates."

In his prime, Mills was rated the No.1 ODI bowler on the ICC's world rankings.

NZC chief executive David White paid tributes to Mills' contribution, saying it would have been greater if it weren't for untimely injuries.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said Mills would be missed as well as his professional attitude.

"To have the longevity that Kyle's had takes an incredible work ethic and desire to represent your country.

"On top of what he's achieved on the field, he's also a fantastic bloke and a great team man," he said