Van Jaarsveld Announces Shock Retirement

Van Jaarsveld Announces Shock Retirement

Martin van Jaarsveld has announced that he will take a break from cricket at the end of the South African domestic season.

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Leicestershire have been rocked by the news that newly-signed batsman Martin van Jaarsveld will not be joining them in 2012 following his decision to retire from county cricket.

Van Jaarsveld originally signed a two-year contract with the Foxes back in September and was widely seen as the man who was going to replace the outgoing James Taylor in their middle-order.

However, his form since leaving England to return to his franchise, the Titans, in South Africa has been poor and, coupled with a mediocre season at Kent last year, the 37 year-old has decided that the effects of year-round cricket have taken their toll.

He said, “I’m desperately sad not to be able to take up the challenge with Leicestershire.  I’ve always set the highest of standards but at the age of 37 I’m beginning to show signs of fatigue, which has affected my performance on the field. I’ve struggled to make significant contributions in four-day cricket (he has averaged 20.71 in his four SuperSport Series matches since returning, including being dismissed for a duck on three occasions) with the bat of late and have even put down slip catches that I would previously have eaten for breakfast. Quite simply, at the end of this South African season I need a break to recharge the batteries.

“There’s no doubt that the years of flying backwards and forwards between South Africa and England have taken their toll so for my own benefit and peace of mind and for the sake of my young family, my wife and I have decided to settle permanently in South Africa. I apologise to Leicestershire and to the fans but I’d rather be honest than turn up and not be able to perform at my best.”

Where all of this leaves Leicestershire for 2012 is open to debate. The county were comfortably bottom of the LV= County Championship Division Two standings in 2011 – mainly thanks to poor batting performances – and would have been hopeful earlier this autumn of fielding a middle-order that included both Taylor and Van Jaarsveld in 2012. However, this now appears unlikely and they will now have to look elsewhere for their batting saviours, with head coach Phil Whitticase saying of potential signings for 2012, “We have a number of irons in the fire and hope to be able to announce a replacement in the near future.”

Leicestershire’s supporters can only hope that he delivers on his word.

© Cricket World 2011