Beau Casson retires from all cricket at 28

Beau Casson, the Australia and New South Wales (NSW) spinner, has retired from all forms of cricket at the age of 28 because of a heart condition. He played one Test for Australia, against West Indies in June 2008, and 53 first-class games.

Casson has a heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot, for which he required surgery at a very young age. The condition worsened recently and, according to his doctors, it could turn life threatening if he continues to play. In October, Casson had to leave a Sheffield Shield match between NSW and South Australia at the Adelaide Oval after a recurrence of the problem.

"I'd like to thank Cricket NSW, and in particular David Gilbert [Cricket NSW's chief executive], for the opportunity to represent the Blues," Casson said. "I'd also like to thank my team-mates, who I have shared many memories with that I will never forget. Cricket has taken me places that I would only have dreamed of and for that I am very grateful. I will always appreciate the support I have received from my family and my partner Sally, and I look forward to the next chapter in my life".

Gilbert said Casson's decision was warranted. "Beau's decision to retire is very sad news, however, his health is all that matters. He is a popular and respected member of the NSW squad and will be greatly missed. We wish him the very best for the future."

Casson, a chinaman bowler, picked up three wickets in the one Test he played. Apart from NSW, he played first-class cricket for Western Australia and took 123 wickets at 43.04. Casson's best domestic season was in 2007-08, when he claimed 29 wickets in nine games to finish as NSW's second highest wicket-taker in a triumphant Pura Cup campaign.