Jeremy Bray Retires from International Cricket

Left-handed opening Batsman Jeremy Bray has announced his immediate retirement from the Irish National Cricket Team. No longer will we see JP Bray open the batting order for Ireland, whether it be One Day Internationals or Test Matches.

The Australian born thirty six year old had this to say: "I'm not getting any younger, and it's hard to get up to the levels of fitness now required for international cricket. The team has an incredibly demanding schedule over the next few years, and I couldn't commit myself fully to that programme.

"I have had some wonderful memories and will always be grateul to Ireland for giving me the opportunity. I'd like to thank Adi Birrell for the faith he showed in me, and Phil Simmons for giving me the chance to make a comeback after being out of the side for two years.

"The Irish fans are superb, and I'll never forget the atmosphere of the World Cup in the West Indies."

Bray made his Irish ODI debut on June 13th 2006 and went on to play 83 games in total for his national side. On his debut against England, he hit 22 off 29 balls, which included 3 fours as he opened the batting with Dom Joyce (brother of Ed Joyce, who fielded for the opponents on that day). Joyce was out for a duck, but Bray combined with Andre Botha for a partnership of fifty in just under eleven overs.

He represented New South Wales and the Australian underage sides before moving to Ireland, where he quickly joined the Ireland A Team.

In his fifteen ODIs, he scored 401 runs (a 28.64 batting average), and had highs of 116 and 115 not out. He made the 116 against Scotland in Nairobi at the ICC World Cricket League 2007. The 115 not out was a much more impressive feat, against Zimbabwe in a tied game at the 2007 World Cup.

Bray forged a fantastic opening partnership with William Porterfield, but it was with Niall O'Brien that he forged a 304 against UAE, the second highest partnership in Irish Cricket.

His finest hour came alongside WTS Porterfield in 2007, as the duo made 202 (146 by Bray), as Ireland lifted the Intercontinental Cup with a victory over Canada.