Ireland fast bowler Max Sorensen announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday. The 31-year old had made his debut in 2012 and was groomed as a replacement for veteran seamer Trent Johnston, who would quit the game a year later. In all, Sorensen played 13 ODIs and 26 T20Is, picking up 16 and 26 wickets in each format. He was excellent in first-class cricket, with 28 wickets at 19.57, including a best of 5 for 37 against Scotland in 2013 that also paved the way towards the Intercontinental Cup title.
Sorensen, born in Johannesburg, last represented Ireland in June 2016. Considering his age and troubles with injury - a shoulder problem has forced him to play as a specialist batsman for his club Leinster Lightning - he has decided to look beyond cricket.
"At this stage of my career, I feel I need to move on with my life," Sorensen said. "I realise the likelihood of me getting back into the set-up is unlikely, with my various injuries and fluctuating performances in the past year or so. It's time for me to move forward and hang up the international boots. Once again I want to thank all involved with Irish cricket for their help and support - it truly means a lot."
Sorensen was part of Ireland's three most recent World T20 campaigns and he opened the bowling when they beat West Indies in the 2015 World Cup. He is currently fifth on the list of bowlers with most T20 wickets for Ireland, taking 43 in 37 matches. Sorensen's peak performance came in 2013 when he was their leading wicket-taker during the 2013 World T20 Qualifier in the UAE, with 14 in 8 games, which helped Ireland win the tournament. However, his performances tapered off in the following years, leading to the 2016 World T20. In that tournament, against Oman in Dharamsala, Sorensen had to defend 14 runs off the last over, but ended up conceding 16 as Oman pulled off a two-wicket win.
Outgoing head coach John Bracewell marked him as a "tireless worker, never giving anything less than 100% effort".
"He always exhibited professionalism and passion, as well as obvious skill. He was a fine role model to the younger players in the squad, and was a very popular figure in the dressing room. I wish him all the best in his future."
Despite a shoulder injury limiting Sorensen's ability to bowl, he struck a match-winning 98 not out for Leinster against Munster Reds in the Inter-provincial T20 tournament in June.