At just 34 years young, which believe me, is still very young for a cricketer, Harry Gurney has sadly announced his retirement from the sport he loves, saying “The time has come for me to hang up my boots”.

The former England International has been suffering with a long-term shoulder injury which saw him miss the 2020 campaign and in struggling to shake it off for the start of this year too, the Nottingham born fast paced left-armer was felt left with no option but to call it a day, on what has been a terrifically entertaining career that has seen him travel the continents.

Gurney said “After trying to recover from the recent injury to my shoulder, I am truly disappointed to have to end my playing career as a result of it.

“From the first time I picked up a cricket ball at the age of ten, I was completely obsessed. Cricket has been my life for 24 years and has taken me on an incredible journey that I will cherish forever.

“Playing for England, in the IPL and winning eight trophies at home and abroad including the Blast, Big Bash and CPL has exceeded my wildest dreams.

“I always prepared for leaving cricket and I have discovered a new path in business that gives me the same excitement that I felt when I discovered the game all those years ago.

“That is a path I will now go down with immediate effect, as I have found this injury recovery too much of a mountain to climb.”

Away from cricket, Gurney co-owns a couple of pubs locally with teammate Stuart Broad, one of which, the Tailors Arms in Upper Broughton has been a huge success and one that Gurney has spent a lot of personal time, money and effort into.

Starting out with Leicestershire whom he won the T20 title with in 2011, he signed for Notts in 2012 winning two fifty over Lords Finals and a T20 title in 2017, in 2014 he had made his England debut and went on to make 10 ODI appearances and 2 T20 International starts taking 14 wickets for country in total.

Away from the domestic and international scene he’s played in the Big Bash for Melbourne Renegades and in the IPL for Kolkatta Knight Riders as well as the PSL for Quetta Gladiators and most recently in the Caribbean Premier League for Barbados Tridents.

A tall quick seamer who was infamous as a top death bowler in the shorter format, Gurney took over 400 first class and list A wickets and was a frightening prospect to face for any batsmen looking up at his imposing 6ft2in frame when bearing down on the wicket.

Nottinghamshire Coach Mick Newall who worked with Gurney during some of his best moments in cricket, stated “Harry has been a terrific, match winning, bowler for this club for a number of years.

“He moves into a new phase of his life with the very best wishes of everyone at Trent Bridge, and we hope to see him as a welcome visitor on a regular basis during the coming years.”

*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).

*Main image @TheCricketerMag Harry Gurney won three titles in eight years with Notts.