Cutting retires from first-class cricket

Queensland's Ben Cutting has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

Cutting, who debuted in the format in October 2007 and went on to build a fine career as a fast-bowling allrounder, will continue to play KFC Big Bash cricket for the Brisbane Heat.

In 51 first-class matches, he took 170 wickets at 28.41, and made 1,561 runs at 23.65.

Cutting played in consecutive Sheffield Shield finals in 2008-09 and 2009-10, but Victoria emerged as champions on both occasions.

The 31-year-old, who has also played four ODIs and seven T20Is for Australia and is currently part of reigning champions Mumbai Indians' squad in the Indian Premier League, posted this message on Instagram:

"12 years since I first joined the Queensland Bulls, and 11 years since my debut First Class match, the time has come to call my retirement from the Baggy Maroon.

"I will not be a part of the contract list for the coming season as I choose to turn my full time focus to both the shortest format of the game, and building my business.

"I can't thank Queensland Cricket enough for the opportunities at what has been my home for the past decade!"

Cutting did not play a Shield match in Queensland's triumphant 2017-18 campaign, having played three the summer before, as his focus shifted towards the game's shorter formats.

He remained a force with the Heat in BBL|07, particularly with the bat, clubbing 190 runs at a strike-rate of 152 with 14 sixes in his middle-lower order role.

Cutting also represented a World XI side last September against Pakistan in Lahore, playing in the three-match series that was designed to help return international cricket to the nation.

He was bought by Mumbai from Sunrisers Hyderabad at this year's IPL auction for AUD$426,000, and was also re-signed for AUS$110,000 by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for this year's edition of the Caribbean Premier League.