Mitch Claydon to retire at end of 2021 season

The 38-year-old, who has represented Durham, Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex in county cricket, has taken 610 wickets in 371 matches across all formats

Sussex seamer Mitch Claydon is to retire from cricket at the end of the season.

The 38-year-old, who has represented Durham, Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex in county cricket, has taken 610 wickets in 371 matches across all formats since making his professional debut in 2005.

Born in Australia, Claydon was part of the most successful era in Durham’s history, winning three County Championship crowns and the Friends Provident Trophy, before earning red-ball promotion twice during his time with Kent.

He said: “After 17 years as a professional cricketer, I’ve have decided that 2021 will be my last. I’m so proud that my shocking rig has got me through 371 games – over a hundred in each format – but all the overs are taking their toll, and everything is starting to hurt! I’m committed to finishing the 2021 season and ending on a high.

“Big thanks to Canterbury, Central Districts, Durham, Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex for giving me the opportunity to play the game for a living all these years and all the coaches and support staff at those clubs for their help.

^{Claydon was part of the Durham side that won the County Championship for the first time}

“I’d like to give a special thanks to my family both in the UK and back home in Australia. Special mention to my wife, Gemma and my children, Lachlan and Bee, for their support over the years, as well as to Sussex for giving me these last two seasons. I’ve loved my time at the club and wish everyone at Hove the very best for the future. I’ll miss life in the changing rooms more than anything. The fun I’ve had with so many people over the years will provide me with fantastic memories for the rest of my life.”

Claydon joined Sussex following the end of the 2019 season, but his 2020 campaign was marred by a suspension after he admitted a charge of ball tampering, having put hand sanitiser on the ball.

Sussex performance director Keith Greenfield added: “To play first-class cricket as a seam bowler for 17 years and 371 games is a fantastic achievement and something that Mitch should be very proud of.

“Mitch plays with a smile on his face and has a great sense of humour in the dressing room but is a real competitor on the pitch. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.