Ankle Injury Forces Michael Lumb To Retire

Michael Lumb, the former England opener, has taken a shock retirement with immediate effect. The Nottinghamshire batsman, who had helped England to win the World T20 in 2010, was forced to take the tough decision due to an ankle injury. The news was confirmed by the county club on Wednesday (July 19).

We regret to announce that Michael Lumb has been forced to retire immediately due to injury. Full story: https://t.co/7EBHpgVyjD pic.twitter.com/9f0EXNxhaE

— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) July 19, 2017

The hard-hitting batsman had joined Nottinghamshire in 2012 after plying his trade for Hampshire and Yorkshire. The southpaw helped Nottinghamshire to win the  Yorkshire Bank 40 Trophy in 2013 and the Royal London One-Day Cup in 2017.

Expressing his disappointment over the sudden retirement, Lumb said: “I’m extremely disappointed I’ve had to retire from cricket, particularly in the middle of the season, but I have to respect medical opinion.

“I would like to thank all my teammates, the coaching staff and everyone else at the Club for making my stay at Nottinghamshire such a memorable one. Those sentiments also go to everybody at both Yorkshire and Hampshire, who have made my career so enjoyable.

“Last, but by no means least, I couldn’t have achieved what I have without the total support of my wife Lizzie and all the rest of my family,” he added.

Director of Cricket at the club, Mick Newell also expressed his disappointment over the unexpected turn of events.

“It’s very sad news for Michael. He’s a hugely talented batsman that has entertained cricket followers all over the world. He’s a great role model to others and a superb professional.

“Michael is an immensely popular senior player in the dressing room and highly respected for what he has achieved during his career. We wish him every success and thank him for all he has contributed to the Club,” Newell added.

The 37-year old made his England debut in 2010 during the World T20 but had to wait for four years for his first ODI game and he made the most of it by scoring a century. However, he could play only three ODIs in addition to representing his country in 27 T20Is.

The South Africa-born batsman also played in the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League.  He played for the Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers at the IPL and plied his trade for the Sydney Sixers at the BBL. One of the biggest names in England’s domestic circuit, Lumb amassed ver 11,000 first-class runs with the help of 21 hundreds and 58 fifties.