Kevan James announces retirement

Hampshire all-rounder Kevan James, announced that he is to retire from cricket at the end of this season. A series of injuries has restricted his appearances in the first team to just two first-class, and three limited-overs games.

38 year old James who is about to conclude his benefit year, joined Hampshire in 1985 after a four year spell at Middlesex, making his debut against Kent at the county ground that season.

His all-round skills were never more prominent when, in 1996 against the touring Indian team, he took 4 wickets in 4 balls, and followed it with a century, the only player ever to achieve that unique feat.

Amongst his other achivements was breaking the clubs 8th wicket partnership record with Tim Tremlett, 227 against Somerset at Taunton in 1985.

As a teenager he toured with Young England to Australia and the West Indies, and later spent his winters in New Zealand playing first-class cricket for Wellington.

In all cricket for Hampshire he scored 10,513 (8,189 f/c) and took 582 wickets (359 f/c). He was a member of the Nat-West winning side of 1991, and the Benson & Hedges Cup side that won the trophy at Lord's in 1992. He also played a major part in the Club's Sunday League title in 1986.

Robin Smith, Hampshire captain and a colleague throughout his 14 years, paid tribute to "Jaimo". "He was an inspiration to the side both on the field and in the dressing room, his cricketing experience and his wry sense of humour will be missed".