Cricket: Ingram stepping down

Peter Ingram. Photo / Warren Buckland

Central Districts and former international opening batsman Peter Ingram has retired from all forms of first-class cricket.

Ingram, 33, has been battling an Achilles tendon injury since the final round of the HRV Cup and decided to call time after 10 seasons at the top level.

"After some weeks of deliberation I have decided that it was better to make the decision now so that the Stags can focus on the remaining rounds of the Plunket Shield knowing for certain who was available," Ingram said. "The players that have come in have done a great job and it is in the best interests of the team to give them certainty around selection."

Travel, time away from his young family and the door seemingly being shut on his international career were the primary reasons for his decision.

"I'm away from home for 90 per cent of the time during the season and with two young boys your priorities start to change," he said.

"I would have loved to have played more for New Zealand as well, but it became obvious this year that I was not in the selectors frame so committing myself to my family becomes the most important thing."

Ingram debuted for the Central Stags in 2002 and the punishing right hander has since been a regular member of the side in all formats of the game.

He retires as the second-highest run scorer in first-class cricket for Central Districts behind Mathew Sinclair and holds the two highest individual scores for the association - 247 against Northern Districts in 2008/9 and 245 not out against Wellington the following season.

He also holds a number of partnership records.

"I am proud of what I have achieved in the game and certainly don't retire with any regrets," Ingram said from his New Plymouth home.

"The HRV Cup win at Pukekura Park in 2010 will always be a highlight, as will the games that I played for the Black Caps."

Chief executive Hugh Henderson acknowledged the contribution that Ingram had made to Central Districts cricket.

"We are sad to be losing Peter to retirement as he has been a major contributor for the Stags over many years. He has been the best performed batsman in first-class cricket in New Zealand over the last six seasons where he has regularly featured among the leading run scorers," Henderson said.

"His positive approach at the top of the innings often put us in a dominant position early on in games and that will be missed. He has real passion for the Stags as well and this is something that has definitely rubbed off on all of those that he has played with."

Ingram will return to teaching on a full-time basis at New Plymouth's Francis Douglas Memorial College.