Essex wicketkeeper Adam Wheater to retire from professional cricket at end of 2022 season

The former Hampshire player, 32, has announced he will call time on his 14-year career at the climax of the summer

Adam Wheater has confirmed his intention to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2022 season.

The decision will see the Essex wicketkeeper call time on a career lasting 14 years.

Wheater, whose contract was due to expire at the end of summer, is in the midst of his second spell at Chelmsford.

Since returning from Hampshire initially on loan and then on a permanent deal he has been part of Essex's LV= Insurance County Championship title successes in 2017 and 2019, when they also won the T20 Blast.

Their red-ball dominance continued into the Covid-hit 2020 campaign when they scooped the Bob Willis Trophy.

In career 380 appearances across the formats, Wheater has scored 10,876 runs while completing 450 dismissals with the gloves.

Though he has retained the gloves during the opening rounds of the Championship season, Adam Rossington has arrived on loan from Northamptonshire.

"It’s been a tough call to make, but the timing feels right and I’m pleased to be going out on my own terms," he said.

^{Wheater has been a mainstay of Essex's recent red-ball dominance (Getty Images)}

"I’ve had a great time at both Essex and Hampshire. 

"Not many players get the opportunity to play for their boyhood club, so to be able to do that has been a dream, and to be able to win the things we’ve won, I couldn’t have asked for more.

"I’m looking forward to whatever comes next, but until then I’m fully committed to helping Anthony McGrath and this side secure more silverware.  

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Members, fans, players, staff and everyone associated with the club for their support over the years. It’s been a great journey and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have."

Chief executive and interim chair John Stephenson added: "I would like to thank Adam for his contribution to Essex County Cricket Club over his two spells with the club.

"He’s been an excellent performer for this side and has been a big factor in the success we’ve enjoyed over the last six years."

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