Peter Hartley announces his retirement

Peter Hartley, Hampshire's opening bowler since 1998, has announced he is to retire from the game at the end of the season.

40 year-old Hartley born in Keighley, is currently the oldest player on the county circuit, has been troubled by various injuries throughout this past season, so his retirement may not have come as much of a surprise.

He made his first-class debut in 1982 for Warwickshire, but soon returned to his native Yorkshire who he served for 12 years, gaining his county cap in 1987, and received a benefit in 1996. He joined Hampshire in 1998, as Yorkshire looked to push forward their younger fast bowlers.

In his three years with Hampshire he took 99 first-class wickets in 33 games, and was an important cog in the clubs one-day side, taking 73 wickets in 50 games.

He is likely to play his 232nd and last match against his old county, and will look to add to his tally of 680 wickets.

Tim Tremlett, Hampshire's Director of Cricket said of Hartley, "Peter came to Hampshire to bolster up our bowling, but in the three years he has been with us, he has done much more than we expected. He was both brilliant on and off the field, helping many of the younger bowlers. He will certainly be missed".