England and Somerset wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter has took retirement from all forms of cricket with an immediate effect due to a serious eye injury, sustained last summer.
The 27-year-old gloveman suffered an injury to his eye through his helmet grille when a ball hit him while batting in a County Championship match against Northants in July 2014.
The South-African born cricketer has played 46 ODIs and 25 Twenty20 internationals for England, but was never played at Test level.
Probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make but one that is definitely the right move forward. pic.twitter.com/lDtxQ6PA0L
— Craig Kieswetter (@kiesy_22) June 5, 2015
In first-class cricket Kieswetter has scored 5728 runs at 39.23 since his Somerset debut in 2007. He was also part of England’s T20 World Cup winning squad in the West Indies.
Craig Kieswetter Career (2007-2014)
For England:
46 ODIs
25 T20Is
First Class:
115 Matches Avg 39.23
List A: 134 Matches Avg 39.38
T20’s: 124 Matches Avg 31.76
Here’s how social media reacted:
Good luck to @kiesy_22 for the future..quality player
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 5, 2015
Thank you @kiesy_22 for all you have done for @englandcricket! pic.twitter.com/5dSpbyLnOR
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 5, 2015
Just a few memories from @kiesy_22 great career for @SomersetCCC & @englandcricket! All the best in the future… pic.twitter.com/U2p3NI2hPg
— The PCA (@PCA) June 5, 2015
Sorry to hear my mate @kiesy_22 has to walk away from the game far to early. You’ve achieved more things than many, be proud
— Graham Onions (@BunnyOnions) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 fantastic career mate. Be proud.
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) June 5, 2015
Always enjoyed playing with/against you mate. Wish you all the best for the future. MOM in a World Cup Final 👌 #gun @kiesy_22 #redrooster
— Chris Woakes (@crwoakes19) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 sorry to hear the news Craig. It was a pleasure playing with you and I hope whatever you do next goes well.
— Stuart Meaker (@SMeaker18) June 5, 2015
Very sorry to hear the news about @kiesy_22. Terrific cricketer, great guy. Wish him well.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 sorry to hear your news buddy Well done on a short but tremendous carreer.Thanks for the great memories we shared.Good luck #begal
— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 One of the hardest hitters of a cricket ball I’ve seen and not many can say it but you’re a World Cup winner. Congrats mate
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 sorry to hear you wont be returning mate but congratulations on a great career and all the best in the future.
— Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) June 5, 2015
Sad to hear the news on @kiesy_22, very talented player and a t20 World Cup winner!!! All the best in the future!
— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) June 5, 2015
Sad news to see an extremely gifted @kiesy_22 forced into retirement at such a young age. Go well mate
— Ashley Giles (@Gilo) June 5, 2015
Sad to hear the news mate.. Congratulations for your wonderful career.. And good luck for the new innings of your life @kiesy_22
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) June 5, 2015
@kiesy_22 Many congratulations on a fabulous career… Sad it had to end this way. Some bowlers are very very happy now. #classact
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 5, 2015
what a moment this was mate! @kiesy_22 gutted it will never happen again, best of luck with life after cricket #bagel pic.twitter.com/4NThekmB3P
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) June 5, 2015
Gutted for you craig that you have had to call time on his career due to his injury. Shared some…
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) June 5, 2015
Sad to see injury bring a premature end to a great career for @kiesy_22 a great lad even if he tries way too hard to be posh! #redchinos
— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) June 5, 2015
Go well buddy. And I wish U a successful time off the field. #lifeaftercricket enjoy bro
— Darren Sammy (@darrensammy88) June 5, 2015
A big loss for cricket @kiesy_22 – exceptionally talented and a very tough competitor. Some good times! All the best pic.twitter.com/J2cl7zTdQe
— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) June 5, 2015
So sorry, buddy! You can be proud of what you’ve achieved & so can your family. See you on the golf course! x
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) June 5, 2015
Only 11 men have ever played in an England team that won a world limited-overs trophy – and Craig Kieswetter was one of them.
— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) June 5, 2015