Western Australia's quick Matt Kelly announces retirement
Matthew Kelly (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 07 Aug 2026, 10:41 AM• Read time - 2 mins
Western Australia pacer Matthew Kelly has announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect at the age of 31. Kelly represented Western Australia in 59 first-class games, claiming 180 wickets at an average of 27.43, including eight five-fors.
He was a part of the Western Australia side which won the Sheffield Shield in 2021-22 after a gap of 23 years. He was the leading wicket-taker for the side when they replicated their success in the 2022-23 season with a nine-wicket win over Victoria in the final. Kelly snared 35 wickets in eight games at an average of 15.77 with the help of three four-fors and one five-wicket haul.
Kelly featured in 29 List A games, picking up 34 wickets at an average of 32.76 at an economy rate of 5.13 with a four-wicket haul. He was a part of the Western Australia outfit which won the One-Day Cup (Dean Jones Trophy) in the 2019-20, 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
“Walking through the WACA Ground gates for the first time, I could never imagine where, or how far, the game would take me,” Kelly said in a statement released by Western Australia.
“It quickly became my favourite place to be, and like so many fortunate enough to spend time there, it became a home away from home, and one that I loved.”
Kelly also thanked his teammates for rallying around him and making his time as a professional cricketer truly unforgettable.
“To every teammate that I’ve shared the field and the dressing room with, I simply want to say thank you,” he said.
“Thank you all for the most amazing journey. The laughs, the challenges, the success, the support and most importantly the amazing friendships that will extend well beyond the cricket field.
“I’ve loved every minute we’ve spent together, and I’ll carry those memories with me forever.”
Kelly also played the Big Bash League (BBL) for Perth Scorchers and finished with 55 wickets in 39 games at an economy rate of 8.11. He was a part of the Scorchers squad which won the 2022-23 BBL season, beating Brisbane Heat in the final by five wickets.