Hamish Rutherford announces retirement from all forms of cricket 

Otago and New Zealand opening batter Hamish Rutherford will play the final game of his professional cricket career the coming week, in the NZ T20 clash against Northern Districts in Dunedin. This will mark an end to a career that nearly spanned 15 years in which he scored 16,468 runs so far across all formats

The 34 year old made 16 Test appearances as part of his 130 first class matches and scored a 171 against England on debut in 2013. He registered 7863 Test runs at an average of 35.26. He played only four ODI but 127 list A fixtures, aggregating 4326 runs, and 192 T20s- including eight T20Is with 4279 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.50. 

“It has been a privilege to play for Otago and be part of this iconic province," he said in a statement. "While playing for New Zealand was always the dream, I'm grateful for the opportunities cricket has given me and my family. I've loved every minute of it. I appreciate all the support I have had from family and friends, fellow players, coaches and supporters of the province."

Rutherford will hang his boots with the most T20s appearances for Otago. He broke Neil Broom’s record earlier this month. Overall, he will bid adieu having played the third most matches for Otago across formats, behind Broom (348) and Derek de Boorder (292).

"Hamish will undoubtedly be considered one of Otago's greats," Otago Cricket chief executive Mike Coggan said. "I have seen him play innings that very few other cricketers are capable of. He has been an entertainer at the top of the innings, and he has my utmost respect as a player and person. His contribution to Otago Cricket has been immense.

"I have not seen another opener who has combined patience and aggression as Hamish has. His big century on debut at home was astonishing against a quality England side and the 155 (off 100 balls) he scored in a Ford Trophy match in Dunedin against CD back in 2020 was something to behold. Hamish has always been a student of the game and one of domestic cricket's finest thinkers. He has been a pleasure to watch and know and I wish him well in retirement."

Otago Cricket has planned a honorary ceremony for Rutherford on January 23 in his last game.