Matthew Maynard announces retirement

Matthew Maynard has confirmed that he will retire from county cricket at the end of the 2005 domestic season - his 21st for Glamorgan. Maynard's retirement will allow him to focus on coaching duties with England: he took over as assistant coach to England's one-day squad in September 2004, a position he will continue to undertake this summer.

"I've fallen out of love with the training," Maynard admitted. "You've got to keep certain standards. I've worked hard on fitness over the years, but time has run its course."

Maynard, 39, captained Glamorgan to success in the county championship in 1997, and played for England at Test level in four matches. He also played 14 one-day internationals.

His coaching commitments mean that he will be unavailable for his county for some matches this season, which is also his benefit year, as he will take five weeks out to be with the international side.

Maynard will miss the Twenty20 competition, a few championship matches and a national league match.Maynard's stint as England assistant coach got off to a flyer, as England routed Zimbabwe 4-0. But then came a setback, as South Africa romped to a convincing 4-1 victory.