Piper announces retirement

Keith Piper has terminated his playing career with Warwickshire after 17 years. Piper has not played since he was suspended for taking drugs in June and, although the ban ends in October, he has decided not to resume playing. Instead, he will stay at Edgbaston and will work in marketing and administration, as well as coach.

"I'm incredibly grateful that the club has stood by me," Piper, 35, said in a statement. "I'll remain involved in the game. I'd like to thank the club for the support they've shown."

Earlier this year, Piper was told that he would undergo rehabilitation with Warwickshire after being banned for drugs for the second time in his career. In 1997, Piper failed an in-house drugs test for which he served a one-match ban. His fellow Warwickshire players Paul Smith, now retired, and Graham Wagg have also served drugs-related bans.