Fulton retires from first-class game

David Fulton, the former Kent captain, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after being released at the end of the last season.

Fulton, 35, played 15 seasons at Canterbury and scored over 12,000 runs, signing off with 155 against Middlesex in September during what turned out to be his final Championship innings.

"I had a couple of options to go elsewhere, but it was a bit like being unfaithful," Fulton said. "There are some good young players at Kent and I've been slipping down the pecking order. With the powers on the wane, I think it is time to go."

Fulton came close to winning an England cap in 2001 during a season that included eight Championship centuries. However, during pre-season training for 2003 season a ball hit him in his left eye almost causing him to end his career. After three operations and numerous visits to specialists he managed to resume playing but was never quite the same.