Middlesex captain Ed Smith retires from first-class cricket.The 31-year-old Smith struggled with an ankle injury last season and was to be replaced by Shaun Udal as captain. And rather than drop back into the ranks, he has decided to bring the curtain down on his 12-year first-class career.
"It has been a real honour to captain Middlesex," he said.
"I have been very lucky to play first-class cricket for eight years at Kent and four years at Middlesex.
"I'd like to thank all the players, coaches and supporters who have helped me enjoy the game I love.
"I wish Shaun Udal and the team every success in the future".
The Cambridge graduate, who played three Tests against South Africa in the summer of 2003, spent eight years at Kent before switching to Middlesex after the 2004 season.
Ed Smith made 12,789 runs in 191 first-class matches, scoring 34 hundreds and averaging 41.79 with a highest score of 213.
Middlesex chairman Ian Lovett said: "Ed has always shown exceptionally high levels of energy, commitment and dedication to everything he does."
