Bray scored seven centuries in making a total of 2812 international runs and was a key member of the 2007 World Cup squad.
Explaining his decision, 36-year-old Bray said, “I’m not getting any younger, and it’s hard to get up to the levels of fitness now required for international cricket.
“The team has an incredibly demanding schedule over the next few years, and I couldn’t commit myself fully to that programme.”
“I have had some wonderful memories and will always be grateful to Ireland for giving me the opportunity. I’d like to thank Adi Birrell for the faith he showed in me, and Phil Simmons for giving me the chance to make a comeback after being out of the side for two years.
“The Irish fans are superb, and I’ll never forget the atmosphere of the World Cup in the West Indies.”
After making his debut in 2002, Bray’s prolific return of 2812 runs at an average of 31.95, places him 9th on Ireland’s all-time list in terms of both total runs and average.
His seven centuries have only been equalled by Ivan Anderson and current captain William Porterfield. One of those hundreds came in the opening game of the World Cup, as he made a Man of the Match 115 not out in the dramatic tie with Zimbabwe.
The former Australian Under-19 star was also MoM in the 2007 Intercontinental Cup final against Canada, scoring 146 in an opening stand of 202 with Porterfield as Ireland won by an innings.
He shared in a number of impressive partnerships for Ireland, including the second highest in Irish cricket history, a stand of 304 with Niall O’Brien in 2005 against the UAE.
Other highlights include an opening stand of 183 with Jason Molins as Ireland beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in 2003, and just last year, he and new Irish batting prodigy Paul Stirling added 182 against Kenya.
Bray is the sixth member of the 2007 World Cup squad to be lost to the national team – Paul Mooney, Peter Gillespie, Dave Langford-Smith and Kyle McCallan have all retired, while Eoin Morgan has switched allegiances to England.
