After 16 years in first-class cricket, former New Zealand pace bowler Daryl Tuffey has called time on his playing career.

Tuffey this morning announced his retirement from all forms of the game to concentrate on work commitments and, specifically, to pursue a job opportunity in Australia.

Tuffey represented Auckland, Northern Districts and New Zealand over the course of his career, picking up 77 test wickets and 110 ODI wickets in 123 international matches.

He made his debut for ND back 1996/97 as an 18-year-old, coincidentally against Auckland, before forcing his way into the New Zealand team three seasons later.

It was the start of an 11-year career in the national team that involved a two-year gap due to his participation in the now-defunct Indian rebel league, the ICL.

At his peak, Tuffey was a vital cog in the New Zealand team, particularly in one-day cricket and in home conditions. He developed a happy knack of taking wickets in his first over.

In 2008/09, he joined the Aces and rapidly made himself a crucial part of their line-up, particularly in the shorter forms of the game where he contributed heavily to a reversal in the Aces fortunes.

"When I arrived in Auckland we had a really strong four day team but were underperforming in the shorter forms. I think we've really managed to turn that round in a short space of time to not only win titles but develop a great winning culture within the side."

Tuffey missed almost the entirety of last season through injury and that was a definite factor in helping him to come to his retirement decision.

"I've had a few different injuries recently and they do get tougher to come back from. It's probably been my one major regret in cricket that I haven't spent as much time on the field as I would have liked but it's part and parcel of playing the game."

Despite that, Tuffey can look back on a career that saw a multitude of highlights.

"There aren't many people who get the chance to get paid for playing the game they love and I feel really lucky that I've been able to do that. It's been an honour to represent my country and to be able to do so in some great places around the world has been a bonus."

- © Fairfax NZ News