Wednesday 20 August 2014 11:38, UK
Warwickshire club captain Jim Troughton has announced his retirement with immediate effect due to a back injury.
The 35-year-old has been troubled by a degenerative disc problem and although he did make a comeback in June, appearing in two LV= County Championship matches, he has now conceded his playing career is over.
I have been lucky to have played alongside so many amazing players and coaches, who I will regard as friends for life. Captaining Warwickshire has been the proudest achievement of my career.
A left-handed batsman born in London, Troughton made his first-class debut for the Bears back in 2001 and was awarded his county cap the following year.
He was part of the Warwickshire squad that won the Championship title back in 2004, then tasted glory in the same competition again in 2012 when he was captain of the side.
“After what has been difficult 14 months dealing with back problems, I am devastated to have to concede that my playing days are over," Troughton told Warwickshire's official website.
"I simply am no longer able to do myself justice and after much deliberation and consultation with the Club’s medical team, my surgeon, family and close friends, I have to accept that I can no longer train and perform to the level required to fulfil my duties as a first-class cricketer and club captain.
“Warwickshire has been my life and I feel privileged to have been associated with such a fantastic club. I have been lucky to have played alongside so many amazing players and coaches, who I will regard as friends for life. Captaining Warwickshire has been the proudest achievement of my career.
“I know that I will now have to step back from, what is a very talented and motivated group of players but I wish them all the best for the rest of the season and for the future. Come on you Bears.”
Troughton made six appearances for England in one-day cricket, all coming in the summer of 2003. He managed a top score of 20, against Pakistan at Lord's, in his five international innings.
Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown paid tribute to his former team-mate who also won the Benson & Hedges Cup in 2002 and the Clydesdale Bank 40 in 2010 during his career at Edgbaston.
“Jim has been a model professional, having won multiple trophies, leading the club to a County Championship title and setting outstanding standards, on and off the field, for young cricketers to follow," Brown said.
“Whilst we’re very sad that he has to retire in this way, all members of the playing and coaching team are very proud at what he has achieved in the professional game.
"It has been a pleasure to work and play alongside him and as a Championship winning skipper he will always have a special place in the history of the club.”
