http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Robert-Croft-c2344 to retire from Glamorgan - Cricket News Update
Glamorgan off-spinner, Robert Croft, will end his 23-year association with the Welsh county next week when he makes his last appearance against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kent-c802 at his home ground of Cardiff, on September 11.
The 42-year-old wanted to play for another season, but http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Glamorgan-c784 was keen to see the former English player in a coaching and ambassadorial role - for the development of its younger players and to raise the profile of the club.
Alan Hamer, the club’s chief executive, met with the spinner on Wednesday to finalise the last details of his future assignments with the county.
Croft played in 21 Test matches for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. He also featured in 50 ODIs, claiming 45 wickets, and remained a regular from 1996 till 1999.
His last appearance for the national side came during the 2001 Ashes campaign before announcing retirement from international cricket in 2004.
The veteran however, had a highly successful first-class career, which began in 1989, where took a whopping 1168 scalps, while scored 12879 runs to date - remaining the only Glamorgan player to achieve a career double of scoring over 12000 runs and taking
more than 1000 wickets. Only eight other players have achieved this feat for a county club since 1945.
In 1997, he was instrumental in leading Glamorgan to their first County Championship title since 1969, and further added three Sunday League titles, the last in 2004 as captain.
"It's finally dawning on me that my career is coming to an end," said Croft, who led his county side from 2002 till 2006.
"I count myself lucky to have played as long as I have and I'm grateful for the support I have received over the years from team-mates, coaches and most importantly from my family and friends.”
"I'm also lucky to have played with so many wonderful players for both Glamorgan and England with whom I've shared so many experiences, both good and bad. Those experiences will stay with me," the right-arm spinner concluded.
Hamer is expecting a large turn-out of fans to support Croft during his final appearance at home.
"Robert's playing record speaks for itself and I hope that large numbers of spectators will attend next week's match against Kent, to give him the send-off he deserves,” he said.
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