Cricket: O'Brien retires from all cricket

Iain O'Brien finished with 73 Test wickets at an average of 33. Photo / Duncan Brown

Former Black Caps bowler Iain O'Brien has announced his retirement from all cricket.

O'Brien, who played 22 Tests for the Black Caps between 2005-2009, had been hoping to make a return to first class cricket this summer but he's battled ongoing injuries.

The 35-year-old was informed he had a stress fracture in his lower back yesterday and announced his decision to call it quits via Twitter.

O'Brien finished with 73 Test wickets at an average of 33 and finishes with 179 first class wickets - placing him eighth on Wellington's all-time list.