Warwickshire wicketkeeper Michael Burgess has announced his retirement from cricket.
Burgess – who had a year left to run on his Edgbaston contract – has left the Club by mutual consent after deciding to pursue a career away from cricket.
The 30-year-old, from Epsom, made 130 appearances for the Bears across all formats.
He told the Bears players on Wednesday of his decision to leave.
He said: “It’s been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the Club. But I’ve decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities.
“I’d like to thank all the Members, fans and the wider Club for their support over the last six years. Warwickshire is a brilliantly supported club and the Members make it a great place to play cricket.
“Winning the Championship in 2021 will always be an incredibly special part of my career and something I’ll forever be proud of.
“It’s been great sharing a dressing room with this group of players, who I know will bring lots of future success to the club.”
Burgess played 65 First Class games for Warwickshire, scoring exactly 3,000 runs (34.48 ave) and a career-high of 178 against Surrey in the opening match of the 2022 County Championship.
Warwickshire Performance Director Gavin Larsen said the decision came as a shock but was one the Club had to respect.
“On one hand it’s extremely disappointing to lose a player of Michael’s experience,” added Larsen, “but also we recognise all player’s careers come to close at some point and Michael has decided now is it the time for ‘life after cricket’.
“We’ve spoken to Michael regularly since he first raised this with us. We wanted to make sure it was the right decision for him and if there was anything we could do to as a Club. But in the end, we’ve mutually agreed to release him from the final year of his contract.
“What I loved about Michael was his combativeness and toughness with the bat when presented with challenging situations. I’ve lost count of the number of times he has rescued a Championship innings, batting superbly with the tail.
“He’s a gifted wicket-keeper who always showed the ability to deliver classy performance behind the stumps. There’s no doubt we’ll miss his all-round skills.
“He’s made the call right at the start of the new season, as the players return to training, so it gives us time to consider options.
“We wish Michael all the very the best, and like we say to all our departing players ‘Once a Bear Always a Bear’. Michael will be welcomed back at Edgbaston at any time, and we wish him all the very best for his new career start in London.”
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