Injury forces Headley to retire

Former England fast bowler Dean Headley announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Monday because of injury.

"I sustained a back injury in April 2000...and I feel that, on medical grounds, I have been left with no option but to retire," he said.

Headley, grandson of George Headley and son of Ron Headley, who both played for the West Indies, won 15 England caps.

The high point of his Test career was a five for nine spell against Australia in the fourth Test in Melbourne in the 1998-99 Ashes series. Headley was named man of the match after England's victory.

He took five for 46 on his county championship debut for Middlesex in 1991 before joining Kent where he remained for the rest of his career. His best county return was eight for 98, including the hat-trick, against Derbyshire in 1996.

"I have enjoyed the years playing cricket for Kent, Middlesex and England and am naturally very disappointed to have to make this announcement," Headley added.

John Carr, England and Wales Cricket Board Director of Cricket Operations, said: "This is a great blow, not only for Dean, but for English cricket. Dean was an excellent bowler who represented his country with great distinction."

Kent captain Matthew Fleming said: "On behalf of everyone at Kent I would like to pay tribute to Dean and the enormous contribution he has made to Kent and Kent cricket since his debut for the county in 1993.

"Statistics alone will never show his full value, both in the dressing room and on the pitch. As a fearsome opening bowler, no mean batsman and a brilliant athlete, Dean will be irreplaceable at Kent."

Mail Cricket Editor