Matt Kelly retires from Australian cricket

Western Australia fast‑bowling star Matt Kelly announced his immediate retirement from all levels of cricket at age 31. Injuries and recent loss of form had limited his game time, prompting him to end a decade‑long domestic career.

Kelly debuted as a rookie ahead of the 2016 season, earned a full‑time contract the following year and became a key figure in WA’s recent success. He helped the state win multiple Sheffield Shield, One‑Day Cup and Big Bash League titles, finishing as the Perth Scorchers’ fifth‑all‑time leading wicket‑taker with 172 wickets at 25.80 from 54 matches. Highlights include 11 wickets at 19 in the 2023 BBL final and a 4‑41 spell in the 2022‑23 final that secured a second straight title.

In his farewell statement Kelly thanked teammates, saying, “Thank you all for the most amazing journey… I’ve loved every minute we’ve spent together.” WA Cricket’s high‑performance manager Kade Harvey praised Kelly’s contributions and wished him well.