Nash announces retirement

David Nash, the Middlesex wicketkeeper, has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.

Nash, 31, has represented Middlesex since he was 17 and replaced Keith Brown as the club's long-standing keeper at the end of the 1997 season. He showed immediate promise with both bat and gloves, but never quite threatened to break into the England team with the likes of Chris Read and James Foster battling for the position.

Nevertheless, Nash has made more than 5,600 first-class runs at over 35, with 11 hundreds and 27 fifties, which is more than respectable given the toil a county wicketkeeper endures, and his wit and cheerful demeanour made him a favourite with the club, fans, and fellow professionals.

"To have played in the Middlesex team for the last fourteen years has been a huge privilege and honour," Nash said. "Joining the club as a 'slightly less bald' nine-year-old colt, way back in 1987, was truly something special for me, and in all the many years I've been at this fabulous and famous old club I've worn the club shirt with pride each time I've stepped out onto the pitch.

"I'll also be donning a suit, as I have a job lined up in the city for a couple of days a week, and in that capacity I hope to still be able to help Middlesex, as I look to relieve some of those over-paid city boys of a few of their ill gotten shillings, by investing in Middlesex hospitality and sponsorship packages at Lord's."

Angus Fraser, Middlesex's managing director of cricket, added: "David has been one of the most recognisable and popular characters in county cricket over the course of the last decade. His effervescent nature and constant banter behind the stumps and in the dressing room will make him a hard man to replace.

"David brightens up every room he walks into and I am sure he will be as successful away from cricket as he was in it. One-club cricketers are few and far between in the modern game and every one at the club would like to thank him for 14 years of loyal service."