March 28 Thursday 2002
New Zealand wicketkeeper Parore retires

AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s Adam Parore will bow out of first-class cricket after the third and final Test against England, which begins on Saturday in Auckland.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman released a statement through New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday to end speculation concerning his future. NZC Chief Executive Martin Snedden said: "Adam has served his country and his team-mates over a 12-year period at the highest level. His contribution deserves the highest praise and recognition from New Zealand cricket fans.

"Adam is a gifted player, who has worked hard at his game and his fitness. His athleticism and natural instinct as a gloveman have been outstanding features of his game."

Parore had nothing to add, saying he had a Test match to prepare for and would do all his talking on the field before holding a press conference at the end of the match. "There's nothing I want to add at this time. It's all in the statement and I’ll talk after the game."

Parore is chasing a personal milestone in Auckland, his 78th Test. He holds the New Zealand Test record of 196 dismissals (189 catches and seven stumpings). Should he take four more he will become only the eighth wicketkeeper in the game's history to achieve 200 Test dismissals. He also took three outfield catches when he was deposed as wicketkeeper. Parore also holds the New Zealand record for most dismissals in One-day Internationals, having effected 116 catches and 25 stumpings since his debut in 1992. He has played 179 ODIs and appeared in two World Cups.