Corey Richards announces retirement

Corey Richards has decided to end his first-class career © Getty Images Enlarge

Corey Richards, the New South Wales batsman, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after the state didn't offer him a new contract for the 2006-07 season. Richards, 31, made his debut in 1995-96 and played 55 first-class matches for the state, scoring 2,953 runs at 31.41.

His finest performance came for an Australian XI - effectively Australia A - against England at Hobart during the 1998-99 Ashes tour. Michael Atherton had set a target of 376, which was knocked off in empthaic style as Richards and Greg Blewett added an unbeaten 345 for the second wicket. Richard's contribution was an unbeaten 138.

That season proved the pinnacle of his career and in 2001 he suffered a broken finger when representing the Scottish club Ayr. He then contracted a form of deep vein thrombosis as he embarked on an early journey home. In 2002-03, facing competition from the state's young batsmen, he was released by New South Wales, although he did come back two years later without sealing a full-time spot.

"I've enjoyed every minute of playing first-class cricket and have some fond memories, but it's time to move on," Richards said. "I've got a young family and there comes a time when you have to look for a career outside cricket, and it's now time to retire." Richards will continue to play for his Sydney grade club Bankstown.