Cricketers XI with their birthday on 24th November

#10 Ian Butler

Frequent injuries meant Ian Butler had to retire early in his career

Ian Butler, a right-arm fast bowler, burst onto the international stage following an injury to Kiwi legend Shane Bond in 2002. He was born on 24th November in 1981 at Auckland and started his cricketing career at a very young age.

He picked 204 wickets in 72 First-class games at an average of 30.95. Though his performances in the domestic level were enough for him to gain a spot in the national team, he was frequently troubled by back injuries.

He went on to play just eight Tests, 36 ODIs and 19 T20s for the national side. He took 73 wickets across all formats at the international stage, which according to many was an injustice to the talent he possessed. Ian Butler announced his retirement in 2014 after the doctors advised him to cut down his workload.