Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Best forced to retire
Monday 30 March 2015 14:54, UK
Warwickshire all-rounder Paul Best has been forced to retire because of injuries.
The left-arm spinner, a useful batsman, has suffered from two stress fractures in his back and although he took part in the club’s pre-season tour of the Caribbean, he has decided to call it a day.
The 24-year-old, a Cambridge graduate who once captained England U19s, told the club’s website: "The stress fractures I have had to endure the last two seasons have taken their toll on my body and I do not believe I can perform to the level I have in the past.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Warwickshire both as a professional and an age-group player and I would like to thank everyone involved for their invaluable support."
Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown said: "Paul was an outstanding junior cricketer, having captained England U19s and having been part of the Bears squad that reached the Clydesdale Bank 40 over Final at Lord's in 2012.
"His back injury struck at just the wrong time in his development as a professional cricketer and his first team appearances have been limited over recent seasons as a result.
"Paul is a talented individual and I am sure he will be successful in whatever future venture he undertakes. We wish him all the very best and will miss his contribution to the dressing room.”
Best played 11 first-class matches for Warwickshire and Cambridge UCCE, scoring 428 runs at 42.80, and taking 32 wickets.
His highest score was 150 for Cambridge UCCE in a famous victory over a Surrey team captained by Kevin Pietersen.
