Mark Davies forced to retire from cricket

Kent bowler Mark Davies has been forced to retire from all forms of cricket after failing to recover from a shoulder injury picked up in a pre-season fixture.

Recent shoulder surgery means that continuing Mark’s career in professional sport is no longer an option.

The 33-year-old County Durham man took 315 wickets in 109 first-class appearances for his home county and Kent, following his move in 2012.

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, the former England Under-19 bowler played his first List A match in 1998 before his 2002 first-class debut for Durham.

After recovering from a serious back injury in 2006, he was part of the squad that won four major trophies in his 14-year stint at Chester-le-Street, which included a month on loan at Nottinghamshire.

His CV includes two County Championship titles (2008 and 2009) as well as the Friends Provident Trophy and the Natwest Pro40 in 2007.

After the 6ft 3in bowler won a Durham County Cap in 2005 and took career-best figures of 8–24 versusHampshire in 2008 atBasingstoke.

He took 3–51 in the second innings (11–75 in the match) and was called up to the England squad in 2009 as cover for James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom.

His injury curse continued in 2011 when a stress fracture of the foot sidelined him for the campaign.

Fit-again Davies needed a fresh start and a move to Canterbury revitalised him in 2012 as his 36 wickets at 19 runs apiece earned him the Club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.

In 2013, Davies took 25 Championship wickets despite missing six games before a serious shoulder injury prevented him from returning for the 2014 season.

His last first-class game was versus Lancashire at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in September 2013.

Commenting on his forced retirement, Mark Davies said:“I’m disappointed with the situation but have to accept it.I really enjoyed my time at Kent and thank everyone for their support through some tough times.

“It could have been difficult to leave my home county but I was made to feel at home on and off the pitch. I wish the Club all the best for the future.”

Kent Head Coach Jimmy Adams said: “Mark’s retirement leaves a big hole in the bowling line-up and dressing room.

“It is never easy for a cricketer to give up the game he loves and Mark gave his all to get himself fit.

“On behalf of the lads, I’d like to thank Mark for his contribution to the club and wish him good luck for the future.”

MARK DAVIES: FIRST-CLASS/LIST A/T20 BOWLING RECORDS

Durham

1998: 2 List A (LA) wickets @ 22

2002: 36 first-class (FC) wickets @ 26.16, 2 LA wickets @ 22

2003: 11 FC wickets @ 46.27, 5 LA wickets @ 16

2004: 50 FC wickets @ 18.76, 10 LA wickets @ 23.4, 6 T20 wickets @ 16.16

2005: 49 FC wickets @ 16.53, 18 LA wickets @ 33.44

2006: 2 FC wickets @ 49.50, 11 LA wickets @ 32.63

2007: 34 FC wickets @ 24.23, 2 LA wickets @ 7.5

2008: 41 FC wickets @ 14.63, 10 LA wickets @ 35.1

2009: 19 FC wickets @ 29.57, 1 LA wicket @ 45

2010: 2 FC wickets @ 141, 1 LA wicket @ 42

Kent

2012: 36 FC wickets @ 19.41, 10 LA wickets @ 25.5, 7 T20 wickets @ 29.42

2013: 26 FC wickets @ 24.57, 8 LA wickets @ 32.87, 2 T20 wickets @ 38.5