Wagh calls time on playing days

Mark Wagh insists he will "look back fondly" on his time at Nottinghamshire after today's decision to retire two months earlier than originally planned

Nottinghamshire batsman Mark Wagh has brought forward his retirement, making today’s LV= County Championship match against Worcestershire his last in county cricket.

The 34-year-old was due to bow out in August to become a corporate lawyer, but Notts today confirmed the end of Wagh’s career.

Wagh made a combined total of five runs in the defeat at New Road - and only 195 runs in 14 innings this summer - but scored 12,455 runs at an average of 38.80 in a first-class career stretching back to 1996.

He spent much of it at Warwickshire, with whom he won the championship in 2005, and repeated the feat with Nottinghamshire last year following his move to Trent Bridge in 2007.

“I will always look back fondly on my time at Nottinghamshire and I have been privileged to play alongside some excellent players here,” said Wagh, who was regarded by many as unfortunate to miss out on England recognition.

“Being part of the championship-winning team last season was a major highlight for me and I would like to thank my team-mates, the coaching staff and all of the club’s members and supporters for all they have done and continue to do for Nottinghamshire.”

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell said: “Mark was an excellent acquisition and he gave stability to our batting order during a time when our fortunes in four-day cricket made a significant and sustained improvement.

“His century at Edgbaston last season was a particularly good innings and he made a solid contribution to our success.

“He wouldn’t have featured in our t20 fixtures and we agreed that it was best for all concerned if he was to bring forward his retirement.”