Ripley to retire at end of season

Northamptonshire captain David Ripley has confirmed his intention to retire from first-class cricket at the end of the current season.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper, who made his county debut in 1984, is likely to stay at the club in a coaching and development role.

Ripley said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed all my years at Northamptonshire. I've played with some great cricketers and made a lot of friends both on and off the field.

"But in Toby Bailey we have the best young wicketkeeper in the country, and his career needs to take off. I certainly wouldn't want to hold him back.

"I've worked with Toby for a long time and have always rated him very highly. I just hope he has as many good years in the game as I've had.

"I think it's right to make the position clear now to the players, our supporters and everyone involved with the club. And I wanted to get it off my mind so I can concentrate fully on the very important four months ahead of us.

"I was appointed captain for this season, I'm enjoying it, and there's a job for me to finish here.

"Im honoured to have been given the chance, and Ill be doing everything I can to make the team successful for the rest of the summer. Obviously I would like to go out on a high note personally.

"I've been involved with the club's development programme in recent winters and I'm excited at the prospect of being involved with that full-time in the future.

Leeds-born, Ripley turned out for Northamptonshire's Second XI in 1982 and joined the staff two years later. To date he has made 293 first-class appearances for the County, scoring more than 8,000 runs and claiming 712 dismissals - second only to Keith Andrew in the club's all-time list.

Ripley was appointed vice-captain in 1999 and succeeded Matthew Hayden as skipper this year.

Northamptonshire's Director of Cricket Bob Carter paid tribute to Ripley's contribution over nearly two decades.

He said: "David has been an incredible servant to the club, and the selfless decision he has made just epitomises the sort of man he is.

"It's sad to see any cricketer retire, but the good news for us is that he won't be lost to Northamptonshire. He still has a big part to play in shaping the club's future, and I'm looking forward very much to working with him.

"He has thrown himself into the captaincy this season and if anyone deserves some success it's him."