Bennett played 19 ODIs and 11 T20s for his country and one Test in 2010 against India in Ahmedabad
New Zealand fast bowler Hamish Bennett has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket.
Bennett played for the Kiwis in two T20s against Bangladesh in September 2021, taking one wicket in a 3-2 series defeat.
Over his 17-year career, he played 19 ODIs and 11 T20s for his country and one Test in 2010 against India in Ahmedabad.
Bennett told Stuff: “When I started out as a young kid bowling in the nets in Timaru, I never dreamed I would have gone on to enjoy the career that I’ve had.”
"From Old Boys Timaru Cricket Club, who got me involved in cricket at the start, Timaru Boys’ High School, South Canterbury Cricket, Canterbury Cricket, Cricket Wellington, and New Zealand Cricket, as well as all the other great clubs I’ve played for down the years, they’ve all played a role in helping me achieve my cricket dream.
"I’ve been so fortunate to work and play alongside so many great players, captains and coaches and I’d like to thank every one of them for their support over the years.
Bennett played just a single Test against India in 2010 (SAJJAD HUSSAIN/Getty Images)
"It’s been an honour to represent my family and my country for New Zealand and those memories and experiences will be ones that I cherish and tell stories about for the rest of my life."
Persistent back injuries had threatened to end Bennett’s career early on and after he was unable to play nearly any cricket in 2011, missing the ODI World Cup, the 35-year-old underwent major back surgery in 2012.
"It just entailed removing a stress fracture, going down to Bunnings and putting in about three screws and some titanium wire just to hold the back together, and get some bone out of the hip and put it into the back,” Bennet told Stuff after the operation. “She's pretty complicated stuff”
After the surgery, the pace-bowler had a strong domestic season with Canterbury, before moving to Wellington in 2016 where he was able to force his way back into the national squad.
Bennett made 246 appearances for Canterbury and Wellington and finished his career with 489 domestic wickets, including 261 first-class scalps.
He also won 12 domestic titles in New Zealand including five Plunket Shield trophies and found success as a bowling coach with the Wellington Blaze where he helped them to win the women’s Super Smash title.
Bennett represented Canterbury and Wellington at domestic level (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
He is Wellington’s third-leading all-time T20 wicket-taker with only Jeetan Patel and Luke Woodcock ahead of him.
Glenn Pocknall, who coached the Firebird’s side Bennett captained to the Ford Trophy title in 2018 said: "Hamish transformed himself as a cricketer when he made the bold move to Wellington in 2016.
"His achievements for Canterbury, Wellington, and New Zealand speak volumes for what he has given to the game, and we wish him well in his future."
Cam Mitchell, chief executive of Cricket Wellington, added: "Hamish has been at the heart of a Firebirds team that has experienced an unprecedented amount of success during his time in Wellington.
"His dedication as a player, but also to his coaching in both the men’s and women’s space, as well as his commitment to his North City club should also be commended."
Bennett will continue to play club cricket at Old Tablelands Cricket Club in Martinborough and continue his career as a bowling coach.
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