Middlesex skipper Smith retires

Middlesex captain Ed Smith has confirmed his retirement from first-class cricket.

The 31-year-old struggled with an ankle injury last season and was to be replaced by Shaun Udal as captain after spending two seasons in the role.

Smith said: "It's been a real honour to captain Middlesex. 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."

He added: "I wish Shaun Udal and the team every success in the future."

Smith made three Test appearances for England in 2003 while playing for Kent and ends his career having made 12,789 runs in 191 first-class matches, scoring 34 hundreds and averaging 41.79.

Middlesex chairman Ian Lovett said: "Ed has always shown exceptionally high levels of energy, commitment and dedication to everything he does.

"Having taken over the captaincy when we were at a particularly low ebb on the field, he played a major role helping us achieve markedly improved results which culminated in us winning our first trophy for 15 years in this year's Twenty20 competition.

"He is a man with a wide range of talents and I am sure he will make a great success of his future career."