Gloucestershire spinner Smith announces retirement
"It feels like the right time," Smith said in an open letter on the club's website., external"Over the past few seasons, I've been fortunate to begin building a coaching career alongside playing, and I'm now ready to give that my full focus."To Gloucestershire, thank you for believing in me. These past 13 seasons have been incredibly special for both me and my family. "From playing a part in the club's promotion to Division One to winning two white-ball trophies, they've been the best days I've had on a cricket field."Smith is Gloucestershire's second all-time leading T20 wicket-taker with 154 and he has taken 301 wickets across all formats.He made his debut, on loan from Middlesex, 12 years ago before making the move permanent the following season.
'One of the most consistent spinners in the country'
He took 11 wickets during their 2015 One-Day Cup winning campaign, including two in the final win against Surrey at Lord's."While Tom played more than 50 first-class matches, it's in white-ball cricket where he truly excelled. With 186 appearances, he has been one of the most consistent spinners in the country," head coach Mark Alleyne said."As he begins a new chapter in coaching, we're confident he'll approach it with the same energy and skill that defined his playing career. "He's already made great strides in this area, and while the transition is expected to be seamless, we will never forget the outstanding contribution he has made to Gloucestershire cricket."
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