Knee injury forces Irani to quit

Essex captain Ronnie Irani has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

The 35-year-old was due to quit playing at the end of the season but after a consultation with renowned surgeon D. Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has shown more serious damage in a recent knee injury than initially feared.

Muller-Wolfahrt advised the former England international to end his career to avoid further, more serious, problems.

Irani injured his right knee in an LV Championship match against Leicestershire on May 19.

"Because of this fresh acute injury I have recommended to Ronnie to stop his professional sports activities immediately," said Muller-Wolfahrt.

Irani said: "I'm naturally disappointed that things are ending this way.

"I was hoping to swallow this bitter pill at the end of the season but unfortunately the end of my playing career has come earlier than anticipated."