Worcestershire batsman and former Gloucestershire captain Alex Gidman has announced his retirement from cricket due to an injury to his left index finger.
The 34-year-old, who moved to the Pears 18 months ago after more than a decade at Gloucestershire, skippering the county from 2009 until 2012, suffered the problem during a pre-match fielding drill at Durham towards the end of last season.
The initial recovery did not go as planned and despite having a last-resort joint replacement that, it was hoped, would allow him to resume his career, he decided to retire following medical advice.
Gidman, who made 11,622 runs in 204 first-class matches, said on Worcestershire's official website: "It is with great sadness that I have no choice but to retire from the sport that has given me so much.
"I have been really lucky to have played for so long and I have so many great memories. I'm excited about the future but will miss the game."
After a brief flirtation with England, called up to their preliminary squad for the 2004 Champions Trophy, Gidman, who made his first-class debut in 2002, thrived at Gloucestershire, passing 1,000 first-class runs in six of his 13 seasons.
He joined Worcestershire on a two-year deal after the 2014 season but struggled with the bat as the New Road county were relegated from Division One last year.
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said "On behalf of all the players and coaches, we are extremely disappointed for Alex . It's a very sad day for Alex. We wish him all the best for his future now."
Gidman, whose brother Will plays for Nottinghamshire, made close to 6,000 runs in limited-overs cricket and took 183 wickets across all three formats with his medium pace.
Source: PA
