Will Jefferson was the hero of Leicestershire's t20 semi-final against Lancashire in 2011 © Getty Images Enlarge
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Will Jefferson, the Leicestershire batsman, has been forced to retire from professional cricket after being diagnosed with a rare hip condition which has kept him out of action since May.

Jefferson, 32, also played for Essex and Nottinghamshire and reached as far as the England A set up in 2007. Last season he helped Leicestershire to their Friends Life t20 title when he won the semi-final Super Over against Lancashire.

"It is with a heavy heart that I have come to this decision, but with the medical advice I have received, it is the right time to move on," Jefferson said. "Deciding on this day, exactly one year on from such a happy memory, seemed a fitting way to celebrate my career.

"I would like to thank the medical team at Leicestershire in particular. Also, everyone involved at the club who has helped make the final leg of my journey be such an enjoyable and ultimately fulfilling one. A special mention must go to the PCA for their continued support and the magnificent job they do.

"To my coaches and teammates at Durham University, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, England A and especially Essex in the early days of my career, a big thank you to each and every one of you for contributing to my career, one that I will look back on with enormous pride.

"I leave the game with friendships and memories to last a lifetime, and look forward to moving on and starting the next chapter of my life."

In his 12-year playing career, Jefferson scored 7096 first-class runs at 35.83, 3144 List A runs at 34.17 and 1254 Twenty20 runs at an average of 20.96 and a strike rate of 128.48.

Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall said: "Everybody at Leicestershire is saddened by the news that Will is retiring from the game. None of us will forget the contribution he made to the club winning last year's FLt20 by his incredible performance in the semi-final super-over. The club will do all it can to help Will with his rehabilitation and we wish him well for the future."