Injury forces Darren Thomas to quit

Essex's Darren Thomas has announced his decision to retire from first-class cricket due to injury with immediate effect.

Thomas, 32, picked up an injury to his shoulder at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai in February that never recovered sufficiently to allow him to bowl for the county. The fast-medium bowler, who joined Essex from Glamorgan on a one-year contract last December, was able to play for the 2nd XI as a batsman and, latterly, as captain.

"Darren developed a tear to the cartilage in his right shoulder prior to the start of this season," Essex physio Mark Thomas explained. "Vigorous rehab along with therapeutic injections has failed to resolve this issue, preventing him from bowling. It is expected he will have surgery at the end of the season."

"I had massive ambitions to continue playing for another three to four years when I arrived but injury has unfortunately put an end to my career," Thomas admitted. "My time with the 2nd XI has been really enjoyable and I hope I have been able to pass on my experience to the youngsters. Essex has a great crop of young players coming through and I wish the club every success in the future."