Nadeem Shahid quits Surrey

Nadeem Shahid has announced his retirement from first-class cricket following a ten-year career with Surrey. Shahid, 35, has decided to seek a new career path after having recently had a stint as the captain of Surrey's 2nd XI.

But Shahid, who had previously given seven years' service to Essex, remained upbeat about the role he played at Surrey, during which time he helped them to three County Championship titles. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Surrey, made some great friends and hopefully made a meaningful contribution on and off the field," said Shahid, who may come to be better remembered as Ed Giddins's partner in their business enterprise, Nad and Ed's Christmas Trees. However, he did stroke nine centuries and more than 6000 runs in his career, with a top score of 150 for Surrey against Sussex in 2002.

Meanwhile, Surrey's England A batsman Scott Newman has signed a new three-year deal, following a successful first full season in 2004.

Newman took just 11 matches to reach 1000 runs for Surrey last season, a club record which he shares with another left-hand opener in John Edrich. He scored 1162 runs in the County Championship last year, at an average of more than 43.

"I'm thrilled to have committed my future to Surrey," he said. "I can't wait to repay their faith in me over the coming seasons."