West End Redbacks batsman Chris Davies today announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

25-year-old Davies recently underwent surgery for the fourth time on his left shoulder which has led to his decision to retire.

Davies, who plays Grade cricket for the Adelaide Cricket Club, made his first-class debut in 1997-98 and has played 25 first-class games since that time. He was recently awarded the 2003 Tanya Denver Award, for sportsmanship and endeavour, at the Channel 7-The Advertiser Sports Star of the Year Awards.

Chris says that it was an enormously difficult decision to make.

"Since undergoing surgery two weeks ago, it became apparent that my shoulder was not going to recover to the level required to play first-class cricket."

"This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I will miss the camaraderie with the boys - some of whom have become life-long friends."

"I would like thank both the SACA and the Australian Cricketer's Association for their continued support," he said.

Redbacks coach Wayne Phillips says that Chris will be sorely missed from the SACA.

"Chris embodies all that we want from Redbacks cricketers - enthusiasm, desire, their ethic on and off the field. He does it in such an uncomplaining way."

"He will be sorely missed from a playing point of view but we hope to be able to retain him in some capacity at the SACA," he said."