Van Jaarsveld ends England stay

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South African batsman Martin van Jaarsveld will not represent Leicestershire next season after retiring from county cricket

Martin van Jaarsveld will not be joining Leicestershire for the 2012 season after announcing his retirement from county cricket.

The South African batsman signed a two-year deal at Grace Road after leaving Kent at the end of this summer.

However, the 37-year-old has now decided he requires a break at the end of the ongoing South African domestic season and will not be returning to England.

Van Jaarsveld said: "I'm desperately sad not to be able to take up the challenge with Leicestershire. I've always set the highest of standards but at the age of 37 I'm beginning to show signs of fatigue, which has affected my performance on the field.

"I've struggled to make significant contributions in four-day cricket with the bat of late and have even put down slip catches that I would previously have eaten for breakfast. Quite simply, at the end of this South African season I need a break to recharge the batteries.

"There's no doubt that the years of flying backwards and forwards between South Africa and England have taken their toll so for my own benefit and peace of mind and for the sake of my young family, my wife and I have decided to settle permanently in South Africa.

“I apologise to Leicestershire and to the fans but I'd rather be honest than turn up and not be able to perform at my best."

Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall said: "We are all disappointed that Martin will not be joining us but we respect what must have been a very difficult decision and wish him well for the future."

Head coach Phil Whitticase added: "We have a number of irons in the fire and hope to be able to announce a replacement in the near future."

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