Matthew Hart retires

Matthew Hart, a former New Zealand test and one-day player, has called it quits after a 15 year first class career.

Hart, 33, told the NZPA that he did not have the passion anymore to continue with the game, and had lost his enthusiasm at times last season. “My performances certainly reflected that.”

He played 14 tests and took 29 wickets with his left arm orthodox for New Zealand, with a best of 5-77 against South Africa in 1994 which catapulted them to victory .

However he will be best known for a long and distinguished career with Northern Districts. He played 95 first class games for them, fourth on the all-time list.

Although Hart had limited opportunity to display his batting ability at international level, he picked up 4418 first class runs to go with his 212 wickets. He finished with a highest score of 201 not out.

It is understood he will attempt to enter the financial world next year.