Durham stalwart Will Smith announces first-class retirement

The four-time County Championship winner, who played his part in Durham’s maiden title in 2008, also represented Nottinghamshire and Hampshire

Former Durham captain Will Smith has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

The four-time County Championship winner, who played his part in Durham’s maiden title in 2008, also represented Nottinghamshire and Hampshire, claiming Championship glory in 2005 during his time at Trent Bridge.

Almost a decade after captaining Durham to the 2009 Championship title, Smith re-joined Durham, where he went to university, in 2018, and played a key role in the north-eastern county’s run to the quarter-finals of last season’s T20 Blast.

However, after consulting his family, the 36-year-old has stepped away from the sport.

^{Smith scored 9,541 runs in first-class cricket}

“When people said that you know when the time is right, I never used to believe them,” he admitted. “But due to lack of opportunities and a willingness to see Durham’s young players have as many chances as possible, I can say that now is absolutely the time.

“I have given everything as a player that I can possibly give.

“I have experienced some amazing moments in the game and played with and against some outstanding players and people.

“I want to thank everyone connected to the three counties I have played for – Nottinghamshire CCC, Hampshire CCC and of course, Durham Cricket. It truly was a privilege and an honour to represent all three.

“Thank you to my family for all the support and in particular my wife Kat, who has been a pillar of strength through the highs and the lows.

“I can’t wait to see what the future holds and I hope to remain in the game in some capacity.”

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Durham chairman Sir Ian Botham added: “Will is a fantastic guy and someone who has been a model professional during his career.

“I would like to thank him for his contribution to Durham Cricket and wish him well in the future.”

He was named as Durham’s player of the year in the season of Durham’s first domestic title. He scored 925 runs in that landmark year, including a first double-hundred, which game in a game against Surrey.

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