Worcestershire batsman and former Gloucestershire captain Alex Gidman has retired from first-class cricket after a left index finger injury forced him to call it a day.
The 34-year-old, who moved to the Pears 18 months ago after more than a decade at the Bristol County Ground , suffered the problem during a pre-match fielding drill at Durham towards the end of last season.
Despite having a joint replacement in his finger, Gidman has decided to hang up his pads following medical advice on the injury.
Gidman, who scored 11,622 runs in 204 first-class matches with an average of 36.31, said on Worcestershire’s official website: “It is with great sadness that I have no choice but to retire from the sport that has given me so much.
“I have been really lucky to have played for so long and I have so many great memories. I’m excited about the future but will miss the game.”
Huge thanks to @Gloscricket for everything over 14 amazing years. I was a very lucky man!!
— Alex Gidman (@alex_gidman) February 24, 2016
During his lengthy career, Gidman thrived at Gloucestershire, passing the 1,000 first-class runs mark in six of his 13 seasons with the county. The right-hander, who made his first-class debut in 2002, was also called up to England’s preliminary squad for the 2004 Champions Trophy.
He would later join Worcestershire on a two-year deal after the 2014 season but struggled with the bat as the county were relegated from Division One of the County Championship last year.
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “On behalf of all the players and coaches, we are extremely disappointed for Alex. It’s a very sad day for Alex. We wish him all the best for his future now.”
Gidman, whose brother Will plays for Nottinghamshire, also made close to 6,000 runs in limited-overs cricket and took 183 wickets across all three formats.
Source: ECB