Jefferson has to call it a day

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A year on from his Friends Life t20 finals day heroics, Leicestershire batsman Will Jefferson has been forced to retire from county cricket on medical advice.

Jefferson, who aided the Foxes’ shock FLt20 triumph at Edgbaston last August bank holiday weekend, has struggled with injury since May and been diagnosed with a rare hip condition.

The 32-year-old struck two fours and a six to win a one-over eliminator in the tied semi-final against Lancashire and then hit 35 in the final as Leicestershire beat Somerset by 18 runs.

Jefferson, towering over most at 6ft 10in, began his senior career with Essex in 2000. His breakthrough year was 2002 when he made a match-winning 165 not out against Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford to seal Essex's promotion in the County Championship.

Will Jefferson, left, celebrates hitting two fours and a six to win a one-over eliminator in the tied Friends Life t20 semi-final against Lancashire a year ago

However, injury limited his opportunities at Essex and, at the end of the 2006 campaign, he joined Notts where he suffered more fitness problems before moving to Leicestershire ahead of the 2010 season.

In all, the right-hander scored 7,096 first-class runs at an average of 35.83 with a best 222 for Essex against Hampshire at Rose Bowl in 2004. He hit 3,144 List A runs at 34.17 and 1,254 in Twenty20 at 20.90 and with a strike rate of 128.48.

Jefferson, who won England Lions honours in 2007, said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have come to this decision, but, with the medical advice I have received, it is the right time to move on. Deciding on this day, exactly one year on from such a happy memory, seemed a fitting way to celebrate my career.

"I would like to thank the medical team at Leicestershire in particular. Also, everyone involved at the club who has helped make the final leg of my journey be such an enjoyable and ultimately fulfilling one. A special mention must go to the PCA for their continued support and the magnificent job they do.

"To my coaches and teammates at Durham University, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, England A and especially Essex in the early days of my career, a big thank you to each and every one of you for contributing to my career, one that I will look back on with enormous pride.

"I leave the game with friendships and memories to last a lifetime, and look forward to moving on and starting the next chapter of my life."

Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall said: "Everybody at Leicestershire is saddened by the news that Will is retiring from the game.

"None of us will forget the contribution he made to the club winning last year's FLt20 trophy by his incredible performance in the semi-final super-over.

"The club will do all it can to help Will with his rehabilitation and we wish him well for the future."

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