Michael Beer Announces Big Bash League Retirement
Feb 8, 2019 at 9:23 AM
Melbourne Stars southpaw spinner Michael Beer has announced his Big Bash League retirement. Beer played 58 matches for two franchises in the Australian T20 domestic league. Initially, Michael Beer represented two times Big Bash League champions Perth Scorchers. He also became the first trade player of the tournament when Melbourne Stars brought him from Scorchers.
Beer had a successful stint while playing in the Big Bash League. Going down the memory lane, Beer reflected on his BBL career for the Melbourne Stars, for whom the off-spinner played for a period of five years.
Beer hangs his boots.
“When I first came to the Stars I probably wasn’t enjoying my cricket as much, but the Stars made cricket fun for me again,” said Beer.
“I’d really like to thank the players and coaches I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years at the Stars, as well as the club staff and the Board for all the support and opportunities they’ve given me and my career both on and off the field.
“I’d also like to thank the WACA, Perth Scorchers and Cricket Victoria for my time with them, I’ve been lucky to learn so much from each team I’ve played with.
“I’m very excited about the next phase of my life, spending time with my family and putting more focus into my coaching. I still really enjoy being around the game and look forward to building on some of the coaching opportunities I’ve had this year,” said Beer.
Beer didn’t give any freebies.
Beer always bowled a tight line and length even if he was asked to bowl in the powerplay overs. The left-handed spinner didn’t let the batsmen off the hook as he kept a tight grip on the proceedings. The southpaw spinner scalped 41 wickets in his BBL career and gave his runs at an impressive economy of 6.70, which is one of the best in BBL tourney.
On the other hand, Melbourne Stars coach Stephen Fleming heaped praise on Michael Beer. The former New Zealand captain said Beer was instrumental in the success of the Melbourne Stars over the years.
“Michael Beer has played a pivotal role at the Stars, contributing consistently with the ball and a key to our spin strategy for many years. We want to thank him, not just for the brilliant job he’s done on-field but his all-round service to the Club.
“Over the past 12 months he has developed as a mentor for our younger players, and particularly our bowlers, in both the men’s and women’s teams and I can see great potential for him to continue with that in the future,” said Fleming.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Stars will take on Brisbane Heat today. Stars will play their last home game against Sydney Sixers. The club needs one more win to confirm their finals berth in the ongoing competition.