Windows calls time

Gloucestershire have announced that Matt Windows will be retiring from first-class cricket at the end of the season. Windows made his debut at Bristol in 1992 under Courtney Walsh's captaincy and was awarded a benefit this year.

"It has been an honour and a pleasure to represent the club for 14 years, I have played with wonderful people, made good friends and achieved a lot over my time here, winning many trophies," Windows said. "Sadly there is always an end to a career and ultimately it has to drawn to a conclusion. It is nice to be able to give a chance to emerging players and encourage the next generation of Gloucestershire greats."

Windows's current captain, Jon Lewis, said he was an "extremely loyal and dedicated cricketer...the ultimate team player".

Windows was awarded his county cap in 1998 and went on tour with England A to Zimbabwe and South Africa. In 170 matches for the club, he hit 9103 runs at 32.39 with 16 hundreds.