Tributes flow after Aussie cricket star and English counterpart announce immediate retirements

Cricket fans are sending congratulations and condolences after Matt Kelly and John Turner both announced their immediate retirements on Friday. The 31-year-old Kelly played 54 Sheffield Shield games and 29 one-day cup matches for Western Australia, as well as 39 BBL games for the Perth Scorchers.

The prodigious Aussie bowler won six domestic titles across a 10-year career, including two Shield trophies. "Walking through the WACA Ground gates for the first time, I could never imagine where, or how far, the game would take me," Kelly said on Friday.

"It quickly became my favourite place to be, and like so many fortunate enough to spend time there, it became a home away from home, and one that I loved."

WA's high performance boss Kade Harvey said: "Across the past 10 seasons, Matt has been an outstanding contributor on and off the field. Matt has delivered many exceptional performances for both WA and Perth Scorchers and has played an integral role in the recent run of success across all formats.

"Most importantly, Matt embodies all the traits we expect of our players and is held in the highest regard by all staff and players. We wish Matt all the very best in his future endeavours and he will always be welcome back at the WACA Ground."

England bowler John Turner retires at 25

Kelly's announcement came just hours after Turner, who played four internationals for England, was forced to give away the game at just 25 due to injuries. The fast bowler hadn't played at all since last June due to a stress fracture in his back.

An economics and finance graduate from the University of Exeter, Turner said he'll now "pursue my next challenge" in life. "It was always my dream to play professional and international cricket, and doing so for Hampshire and England has been nothing short of living out those same childhood dreams," he said in a statement. "I have, however, decided to retire from the game, and as you can imagine, this has been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make.

"The stress fracture, which has sidelined me for over a year, as well as my injury record, naturally made me think of my future both as a cricketer and away from the game, and subsequently, I decided now was the right time to pursue my next challenge."

Cricket world pays tribute to retirees

Born in South Africa, Turned plated two one-dayers and two T20 internationals against the West Indies in 2024. He looked to have a bright career ahead of him, but was cut down by his back injury not long after debuting for England.

Hampshire's director of cricket Giles White said: "John is an exceptionally talented player, and all of Hampshire Cricket is saddened that his journey in the professional game has come to an end. He has played a huge part in a successful period in Hampshire's history over the past five years, reaching four T20 finals days, challenging at the top of Division One in the County Championship, and making the final of the One-Day Cup twice.

"He gave everything for the club and for England, and whilst we are saddened that he has called time on his playing career, we wish him all the best in his next chapter, and we will look forward to welcoming him back in the future."

Cricket fans are sending well-wishes to Turner on social media and congratulating him on what he achieved. Tributes have also been flowing in for Kelly.

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