Trent Copeland announces retirement from cricket in 'emotional' reveal
The Aussie cricket veteran made the tough announcement before his final match.
Aussie fan-favourite Trent Copeland has announced his retirement from cricket after 14 years in first class action. Copeland, who has recently transitioned to an analyst role for Channel 7, made his first class cricket debut back in 2010 when he took 8-92 for New South Wales in the first innings.
The towering quick went on to make his debut for Australia in 2011 in the tour of Sri Lanka and took six wickets for Australia. However, after long-term injuries and a stellar first class career, Copeland made the emotional speech to his Blues teammates ahead of his final match.
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"I have made the decision over the last couple of weeks...I am a bit emotional. I am going to retire at the end of the year," a teary Copeland said to his teammates.
"I have done this cap proud, in my wildest dreams I never thought I would play one game, let alone play for 14 years. I am incredibly thankful for all your mateship.
"This is likely going to be my last game. I know over the next four days you are going to get everything out of my...I am going to give it everything, like it was my first game."
Copeland also took to social media to thank his family for the journey. The 36-year-old said he was excited for the next chapter of his life with wife, and former netballer, Kimberlee Green and his two children.
"So many memories. Way too many words. Just, thank you," he wrote. "Thank you to my wife and two beautiful babies for being my inspirations, partners in crime, and ultimately sacrificing so much for me to be able to do this for so long.
"Loved every second, cannot wait for what's next." The cricket world was quick to praise Copeland for his contribution to cricket within Australia and being a great ambassador of the game.
His wife, former Australian netball star Green, also posted a photo of the two of them at the ground and praised Copeland. "Our hero. We are so very proud of you and your career. You are an incredible athlete and an even better partner and dad," she wrote.
It is almost impossible to imagine first class cricket without @copes9. People like him make the game. A first class bloke. https://t.co/85BAmSlIic
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) March 4, 2023
Unbelievable cricketer!
All the best for retirement 🐐🐐— Sam Shepherd (@sshepher11) March 4, 2023
You're an inspiration to many mate, a great person with a big heart. Enjoy that time with your beautiful family Copes and have a wonderful post retirement break legend. Thank you for all that you've done to uphold the good in Australian cricket
— NRLSC Sponge (@Benwithnonumber) March 4, 2023
Damn! You have me tearing up watching that mate. You ARE a champion. Congratulations on a great on field career.💪🏻❤️
— Shannon (@TheAusChief) March 4, 2023
Trent Copelands first class career
Copeland took 35 wickets in his first Sheffield Shield season, before following it up with 45 wickets the next summer. In 2013, Copeland suffered horrible stress fractures in his back and missed up to 18 months of cricket.
His return season in 2016 marked some of his best performances for the Blues. Copeland toot 26 wickets across just five matches, with an average of 21.15 with best figures of 7-58. In 2018/19 season Copeland won New South Wales' best player award after taking 52 wickets at an average of 18.21.
Copeland played 94 Sheffield Shield matches and took 344 wickets. The 36-year-old is a current analyst for Channel 7 and works alongside Ricky Ponting.
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