Australian fast bowler Matt Kelly has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 31, bringing an end to a career defined by consistency, resilience and major domestic success. The Western Australia and Perth Scorchers quick leaves behind an impressive record across formats, including 180 first class wickets and a remarkable 35 wicket Sheffield Shield campaign at an average of 15.77.
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| Matt Kelly represented the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. |
Australian fast bowler Matt Kelly has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 31, ending a career that saw him become an important part of Western Australia domestic success.
Kelly, who represented Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers, made the decision after dealing with recurring injuries throughout his career. His retirement closes the chapter on more than a decade in the professional game and comes despite the right arm quick remaining capable of producing match winning spells.
A Career Built Around Western Australia
Matt Kelly became a familiar figure in Western Australian cricket after making his first class debut during the 2017-18 Sheffield Shield season.
Over the years, he developed into a reliable pace option for Western Australia and also became part of the Perth Scorchers setup in the Big Bash League.
His career included opportunities across red ball and white-ball cricket, while he also spent time with Northamptonshire in England. Kelly was additionally involved with Australia Under-19 setup earlier in his career.
By the end of the 2025-26 season, Kelly had played 59 first class matches and taken 180 wickets at an average of 27.43. His List A record included 33 wickets, while he collected 60 wickets in 42 T20 appearances at an average of 20.85.
The Sheffield Shield Season That Defined His Career
One of the biggest highlights of Kelly career came during a standout Sheffield Shield campaign.
He claimed 35 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.77 in eight matches, finishing as Western Australia leading wicket taker during that season. His performances earned him recognition as one of the most effective domestic fast bowlers in the country.
Kelly was particularly impressive during the 2022-23 Sheffield Shield final against Victoria, where he claimed six wickets.
That performance underlined his ability to deliver when the pressure was highest and helped establish his reputation as a bowler who could make a decisive contribution in important matches.
A Key Figure in Western Australia Trophy Success
Kelly was more than simply a regular member of Western Australia bowling attack.
He played a role in the state run of Sheffield Shield success and featured across multiple domestic competitions. Western Australia also benefited from his services during its successful campaigns in limited overs cricket.
His career became closely associated with a period of sustained success for Western Australian cricket, with Kelly contributing to teams competing for major domestic trophies.
Western Australia Cricket previously described him as a reliable swing bowler and highlighted his career best Shield campaign, during which he played in all three domestic finals involving Western Australia.
Perth Scorchers Chapter
Kelly also built a significant connection with the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
T20 cricket demanded a different skill set from the traditional Shield environment, but Kelly proved capable of adapting his bowling to shorter formats. His BBL career included several important performances, including a memorable four wicket haul against Brisbane Heat in 2021.
Across 42 T20 matches, Kelly finished with 60 wickets at an average of 20.85, demonstrating his effectiveness in the shortest format.
Injuries Eventually Took Their Toll
For a fast bowler, maintaining physical fitness over a long career can be particularly challenging.
Kelly career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries, making consistency and regular selection more difficult. Even after successful returns, his body continued to present obstacles.
Western Australia confirmed in April 2026 that Kelly would not continue on its state contract list and would instead focus on white ball cricket. He had also returned from injury during the 2025-26 season, highlighting the recurring physical challenges he faced.
His decision to retire at 31 therefore represents the conclusion of a career in which physical setbacks repeatedly tested his ability to remain on the field.
A Domestic Career Without an International Debut
Despite producing impressive numbers at domestic level, Kelly never made his senior international debut for Australia.
That makes his career particularly interesting because his record demonstrated that he could perform at a high level in domestic cricket. His 35 wicket Shield season was strong enough to earn Australia A recognition, and he was the only Western Australian representative selected on that particular Australia A tour without previous Australia or Australia A experience.
Injuries and the intense competition for fast bowling places in Australian cricket ultimately meant that an international breakthrough never arrived.
Matt Kelly Thanks Western Australia Cricket
Following his retirement announcement, Kelly reflected on his time with Western Australia and thanked the people who supported him throughout his career.
The WACA Ground, his teammates, coaches and the wider Western Australia Cricket organisation played central roles in his professional journey.
After around a decade within the Western Australian system, Kelly leaves with a reputation as a dependable domestic fast bowler who consistently contributed whenever he was fit and available.
What Matt Kelly Leaves Behind
Kelly statistics tell only part of his story.
His 180 first class wickets, strong T20 record and outstanding Sheffield Shield campaign demonstrate the quality he brought to domestic cricket.
More importantly, he was part of a successful era for Western Australian cricket and contributed to teams capable of winning major domestic competitions.
His career may not have included an Australia cap, but his impact at state and franchise level was significant.
At 31, Matt Kelly now walks away from professional cricket earlier than many players would expect. Yet after years of battling injuries and competing at the highest level of Australian domestic cricket, his decision marks the end of a career that produced plenty of memorable performances and silverware.
For Western Australia and Perth Scorchers supporters, Kelly retirement will be remembered as the departure of a bowler who gave his best whenever he stepped onto the field.