Gloucestershire seamer Ian Saxelby has announced his retirement from first-class cricket at the age of 25 due to a knee problem.
Saxelby sustained the injury just two balls into his spell during the LV= County Championship clash with Surrey at the Kia Oval last month and, after surgery showed the problem was worse than initially feared, he has been forced to hang up his boots.
His career at Bristol has been plagued by injuries, having been ruled out for most of last season with a right-shoulder complaint.
That problem started in 2010 when he needed major surgery after dislocating his shoulder climbing out of a swimming pool the previous winter.
Saxelby claimed 109 wickets in 40 first-class matches an average of 30.59, whilst also featuring in 17 List-A and 20 Twenty20 matches.
He said: “It is extremely disappointing that I am unable to continue along the path of professional cricket but unfortunately my body is forcing me to hang up my boots.
“After recovering from my shoulder surgery last season, I’m devastated by the seriousness of this recent career-ending injury.
“I feel that I have given everything to the sport and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent in the game.
“I must thank everyone I have met along the way, in this country and abroad, for the support that has come my way and I am very grateful for the opportunities cricket has given me.
Saddened to hear about @saxelby21 retirement. Great guy who's fought more than his fair share of injuries. Good luck #bugler@Gloscricket
— Jonathan Batty (@jonathanbatty) June 3, 2014
“Finally I must thank Gloucestershire CCC for the past seven years, all the staff have been fantastic to work with and I wish the lads every success this season and in the coming years.”
Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell added: “It is a great shame that Ian has been forced to retire from the game at such a young age due to injury.
“He has been the consummate professional and proved to be a bowler beyond his years.
“With a good repeatable action he hit the wicket hard with control and out swing. He led our attack from an early age and his calm demeanour around pressure situations meant he was a ‘go to guy’ in tough situations.
“He will be missed by the team and hard to replace.”