Lancashire favourite Tom forced to retire

FORMER Lancashire captain Tom Smith has been forced to hang up his spikes with the all-rounder announcing his retirement due to medical advice.

Smith, 31, was Red Rose skipper for the 2015 season but only captained in one game after being told he needed back surgery.

That injury kept Smith out of the game for over a year though he came back for the final few months of last season, but the back problems returned and he has now called time on his playing days. He’ll still be involved in cricket, though, and will remain at Old Trafford, assisting Gary Yates in the academy.

Smith said: “It’s a sad and tough decision to come to. Following some medical advice from the specialist and thinking about the long term future it has come because of injury.

“The highs and lows of the past two years from captain to not playing, to surgery, to back playing, to retiring has ultimately taken its toll. My long-term health has taken priority.”

Smith was an influential member of Lancashire’s 2011 Championship winning side when they lifted the trophy for the first time in 77 years. He also toured Bangladesh with England A in 2006-07 while being selected for the Lions in 2014.

He would have been a senior figure in the Lancashire dressing room with another former player, Glen Chapple, only recently taking over as head coach.

Chapple said: “It’s very sad that Tom has had to retire. He has made an outstanding contribution to Lancashire.

“He is a product of Lancashire’s local leagues and graduated through our academy. He is one of the nicest guys I know and it has been a privilege to play alongside him.

“He was always 100 per cent committed to the club and he will always be welcomed back at Old Trafford.”