Steve James drops retirement hint

Steve James, sidelined by injury throughout 2003, has hinted that he is considering retirement if he cannot run by the end of February. James, 36, has undergone four operations on his left knee in the last two years, the most recent in June 2003.

"I am seeing my surgeon on February 4 and will decide then," James told BBC Wales. "If I'm not running by then I will have no option but to retire, but I will work my socks off for the next month."

James, who played twice for England in 1998, made his Glamorgan debut in 1985, since which time he has scored 15890 runs at 40.63. For much of the 1990s James was one of the most prolific batsmen on the county circuit, but in recent years injury blunted his effectiveness.

He was appointed as Glamorgan's captain in 2001, leading them to the Sunday League title in his first season. He resigned last summer when it became apparent that he would not be able to play during the season.