Giles calls it a day
Friday, 10 August 2007
England spinner Ashley Giles, a member of the 2005 Ashes-winning team, has confirmed his retirement from cricket, reports BBC.
Constant hip problems have forced him to give up the game at the age of 34 on the advice of his surgeon, and he is set to pursue a career in the media.
He said: "I would have liked to have left cricket at the very top, still playing the game I have always loved. But there is no chance of me returning to cricket at any level, whether it be on the village green or Test arena".
England captain Michael Vaughan said the Warwickshire left-armer's strength of character had been his most compelling quality.
Vaughan said: "He went through difficult periods earlier in his career where he had long-term injuries. But his determination to recover from them and regain his international place is an object lesson not just to other cricketers but to any professional sportsman.''
"Ashley's retirement is very sad news and everyone in the England dressing room will miss his professionalism and, of course, his sense of humour,'' he added.
Constant hip problems have forced him to give up the game at the age of 34 on the advice of his surgeon, and he is set to pursue a career in the media.
He said: "I would have liked to have left cricket at the very top, still playing the game I have always loved. But there is no chance of me returning to cricket at any level, whether it be on the village green or Test arena".
England captain Michael Vaughan said the Warwickshire left-armer's strength of character had been his most compelling quality.
Vaughan said: "He went through difficult periods earlier in his career where he had long-term injuries. But his determination to recover from them and regain his international place is an object lesson not just to other cricketers but to any professional sportsman.''
"Ashley's retirement is very sad news and everyone in the England dressing room will miss his professionalism and, of course, his sense of humour,'' he added.