James Tomlinson announces retirement

James Tomlinson, the Hampshire bowler, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Monday (September 12). The 34-year-old played over 14 years of first-class cricket for the County club, starting from 2002.

The left-arm pacer scalped 382 wickets at an average of 31.92, with a best of 8 for 46 against Somerset at Taunton in 2008. Tomlinson said he felt like an old man and thought the time was right to hang up his boots.

"I remember years ago watching a nature documentary that followed a pack of wild dogs on a hunt. At the front of the pack there were the young and keen dogs who couldn't wait to get stuck in, then in the middle were the experienced, healthy dogs who knew what they were doing and held the pack together.

"But I will never forget the image of one old dog at the back of the pack trying to keep up. He had half a leg missing and an ear hanging off from what must have been years of previous battles. When he finally arrived at the scene all that was left were scraps... Although I was once both the young dog at the front and the healthy dog in the middle I feel now is the right time to head back to the den. I now have the opportunity to do just that and look after all the young dogs coming through. A job I already love and cherish," he said in a statement.

Tomlinson thanked his family, especially his brothers Hugh and Ralph, his coaches, Wasim Akram - who had a stint with Hampshire in 2003, the backroom staff, all his captains and the bowlers who shared the attack with him.

"However I would most like to thank the opposition batters who somehow for over a decade missed the straight ones and nicked the half volleys...to you all I will be forever grateful," he signed off on a humorous note.