Western Australian Inclusion Cricket stalwart Boyd Duffield has announced his retirement from Australian duties.
One of WA’s most experienced Inclusion cricketers, Duffield will bid farewell to International cricket after representing Australia 15 times.
The 29-year-old has an outstanding record with the bat at state level, tallying 470 runs in his 18 matches in the Black and Gold, at a batting average of 36.15 and a highest score of 70*.
The Australian opening batsman and allrounder shone on the global stage, including being named the Player of the Series in a T20 tri-series against England and South Africa in 2017.
Not only has Duffield made his mark on field, he has also had a profound impact off-field in helping forge a path in the sport for those with Autism and their families.
Through his long association with the WA Cricket Foundation, Duffield will continue to be a passionate advocate for inclusivity of all people living with disabilities in the game he loves.
At December’s Perth Test, he had the opportunity to meet one of his heroes, with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon giving Duffield a money can’t buy experience.
The 29-year-old was fortunate enough to be brought down into the changerooms and meet all the Australian players. Read more here.
Boyd Duffield spoke about his decision to retire:
“I have decided to announce my retirement because I know I just can’t commit my time and effort into training and matches anymore.
“I have been lucky enough to represent my country, and that’s something that not a lot of people get to do, so I am very proud.
“I will miss the many friends I have made, and the memories I have created with so many special people.
“I will be forever grateful to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today, especially my family, friends, and coaches. I cannot wait for the next chapter in my life.”
With the support of the WA Cricket Foundation, Western Australia has a standalone pathway for cricketers with a disability from primary school through to representative sides including Intellectual Disability, Blind and Vision Impaired, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Boyd Duffield will continue to represent Western Australia at a state level, through the annual National Inclusion Cricket Championships (NCIC).
The NCIC brings together Australia’s most talented cricketers with a disability to compete for national titles, with 16 teams representing their states and territories across three divisions, in T20 matches.