Paul Harris announces retirement

Paul Harris, the South African spinner, is to retire at the end of the season, bringing to an end a 14-year first-class career.

Harris played 37 Tests for South Africa with his slow-left arm but nearly turned his back on international cricket after a stint as a Kolpak with Warwickshire in 2006. The retirement of Nicky Boje prompted Harris' eventual call-up and he went on to take 103 wickets at 37.87.

His last Test was in Cape Town against India in January 2011 after which he was dropped for legspinner Imran Tahir. As recently as the start of this season he indicated his intention to compete for a Test place once again.

Harris' first-class career began with Western Province in 1998 before he moved to Northerns in October 2002, establishing himself under coach Richard Pybus in 2005. He needs six more wickets to reach 400 in first-class cricket. His victims have so far come at 31.63 apiece.

"I would like to thank all the people who have helped me over my career," Harris said. " A special mention must go to Richard Pybus, who had the biggest coaching influence on my career. I am sure that I would not have played for South Africa if it had not been for him.

"I would also like to thank Ian Repton, the Nashua Titans physiotherapist; he really has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help me stay on the park over the last 10 years. A big thank you also goes to my agent and friend, Barney Girnun; he has been there from the start and has always supported me through thick and thin."

Nashua Titans coach Matthew Maynard said: "Paul has been a great ambassador of the game and given tremendous service to the Nashua Titans for over ten years. He is respected by his peers and will be missed in the change room. We look forward to playing with him till the end of the season."