Injuries have forced Alan Mullally to end his career © Getty Images Enlarge

Alan Mullally, the former England left-arm seamer, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. He played 19 Tests between 1996 and 2001, while having stints at Leicestershire and Hampshire, after beginning his professional career in Australia with Western Australia in 1987.

Mullally, 36, has suffered a series of injuries this summer which have meant he has played only three National League matches. Paul Terry, the Hampshire coach, told BBC Sport: "A few little injuries have slowed Alan down and it's probably the right time to retire."

Terry added: "He has been a great servant for Leicestershire, Hampshire and England and he's been a really popular bloke in the dressing room. His humour will be missed."

Mullally made his England debut against India in June 1996, at Edgbaston, and took 58 wickets in Tests. He also claimed 63 scalps in 50 ODIs and, for a time, was a ranked as the fourth best limited overs bowler in the world. In his first-class career he finished with 708 wickets at 28 apiece, including a best innings haul of 9 for 93 against Derbyshire in 2000.