Stuart Meaker to retire from cricket

The former Surrey fast bowler, who briefly represented England before injuries took over, has taken 396 wickets in 203 professional games across all formats

Sussex seamer Stuart Meaker will retire at the end of the season.

The former Surrey fast bowler, who briefly represented England before injuries took over, has taken 396 wickets in 203 professional games across all formats.

Meaker joined Sussex ahead of the 2020 season as he sought to rediscover his best form and increasing playing opportunities. “All you want to do is get back to the pace that got you to the top; you keep chasing your tail,” he told The Cricketer ahead of this summer.

Despite his best efforts, however, he has taken just 11 first-class wickets for Sussex at 68.18 apiece.

The 32-year-old said: “I’m sorry to say goodbye to Sussex and all the club’s fans. Thank you for the opportunity to get back out on to the field and get back to taking wickets again.

“Sadly, despite working harder than I have ever done this winter to win games for the club, the performances have not matched the efforts and it’s time for me to hang up the boots and pass the baton to the exciting young talents of the future.”

^{Stuart Meaker made his England debut in Mumbai in 2011}

Sussex performance director Keith Greenfield added: “As Stuart has been the first to admit, he hasn’t had the results he would have liked during his time with us, but there can be no questioning his efforts.

“He can be very proud of his overall career and being part of an exclusive group of cricketers to have had the honour of representing their country.

“We would like to thank Stuart for his efforts while at Sussex and the time he has spent sharing his experience with our emerging crop of fast bowlers and wish him all the best for whatever he decides to do next.”

Meaker played two ODIs and two T20Is for England, as well as 18 times for England Lions, having announced himself onto the scene with 98 red-ball wickets in two years between 2011 and 2012.