Craig Meschede forced to retire due to shoulder injury

The 28-year-old has been suffering with a shoulder problem since midway through the 2019 season, with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome restricting his mobility and strength in his shoulder

Glamorgan allrounder Craig Meschede has retired from professional cricket due to injury.

The 28-year-old has been suffering with a shoulder problem since midway through the 2019 season, with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome restricting his mobility and strength in his shoulder.

His decision to move away from playing the game comes following advice from specialists, having spent months working on his rehabilitation.

Meschede joined Glamorgan in 2015 initially on a loan deal from Somerset, before signing permanently the following year.

He would go on to make two first-class centuries for the club, while also becoming an important part of the county’s white-ball setup.

Prior to suffering his injury, he also made his international debut for Germany last year, playing five T20Is. He scored 2,250 first-class runs, taking 142 wickets. 

Meschede said: “The last few weeks have been very emotional for me as cricket has played such a big part of my life.

“Saying that, I have to do what’s best for my health and there is life after cricket. The physio and support staff and everyone at Glamorgan have been brilliant throughout this process and I can’t thank them enough.

“The syndrome has taken a massive toll on me physically and mentally and it’s been hard to perform skills at a level I know I’m capable of.

“I now need to undertake an operation and period of rehabilitation in order to get my quality of life back. 

“Playing at Somerset and Glamorgan has presented me with many great opportunities as well as making a number of friends for life.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities cricket has provided me. I wish all the players and staff great success in the future and hope the lads can get on and play this year. “Thank you Glamorgan! Thank you Somerset!”

Glamorgan’s director of cricket, Mark Wallace, added: “It’s always very sad when a player is forced to retire through injury and especially in Craig’s case at an age when many are reaching the peak of their careers.

“Craig’s natural talent and skill always stood out and he had a flair and talent for the game, which made him exciting to watch and play with.

“Moreover, off the field, Craig was a committed professional and popular member of the squad who always worked hard to give himself and the team the best chance of success.

“I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club in thanking Craig for everything he has done both on and off the pitch during his time here and we wish him well for a bright future outside of the playing field.”

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