Shoulder injury forces Craig Meschede into retirement

Glamorgan allrounder Craig Meschede has announced his retirement at the age of 28 because of a shoulder injury. Meschede featured in five T20 internationals for Germany and has played 70 first-class, 55 List A and 96 T20 games for Glamorgan and Somerset.

He made his first-class debut for Somerset in 2011 and last featured in a contest in June last year - in a T20I against Jersey. Meschede has been struggling with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which led to pain and weakness in the arm. "After listening to the consultants' advice and a second opinion I have had to make the tough decision to retire from playing professional cricket," he said in an Instagram post.

"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 life after cricket. The physio and support staff and everyone at Glamorgan have been brilliant throughout this process and can't thank them enough.

"The syndrome has taken a massive toll on me physically and mentally and it has been hard to perform skills at a level I know I'm capable of. I now need to undertake operation and period of rehabilitation in order to get my quality of life back.

"I set out on a journey to play professional cricket and I'm very fortunate to have fulfilled my dream. Although it's been cut short it's been an incredible ride! I'm absolutely devastated that it's come to an end but grateful that I was given the opportunity."

Meschede's striking abilities helped him enhance his career with Somerset as he played a prominent role in the side reaching the T20 Blast Finals day in 2017. While he continued to struggle with injuries last year, he made his international debut - scoring 179 runs at a strike rate of 155. Mark Wallace, Glamorgan's director of cricket, was understandably upset with the announcement.

"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," he said. "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."