Glamorgan all-rounder Craig Meschede has today announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect due to injury.
The 28-year-old has been suffering with a Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome since mid-way through last season, limiting his shoulder mobility and strength, and after months of rehabilitation work has taken the advice of specialists to retire from the game.
Meschede initially joined Glamorgan on-loan from Somerset in 2015 before making the switch permanent the following season. Both his first-class centuries came while representing Glamorgan, including a maiden century at Sophia Gardens against eventual champions Surrey. The 2016 season saw him take a maiden five-wicket haul against another league-winning side, Essex.
The right-arm seamer was also instrumental in the side’s run to the 2017 T20 Finals Day with his accurate and economical bowling during the middle overs, and in 2018 Meschede hit a series of exciting and entertaining cameos at the top of the order as he finished in the top three run-scorers for the Club at a strike rate of over 150.
Though born in South Africa, Meschede made his international debut for Germany last season before his injury, and finished his Glamorgan career with 100 appearances across all competitions, taking 125 wickets and scoring 1,905 runs.
Speaking on his retirement, Meschede said: “The last few weeks have been very emotional for me as cricket has played such a big part of my life.
“Saying that, I have to do what’s best for my health and there is life after cricket. The physio and support staff and everyone at Glamorgan have been brilliant throughout this process and I can’t thank them enough.
“The syndrome has taken a massive toll on me physically and mentally and it’s been hard to perform skills at a level I know I’m capable of.
“I now need to undertake an operation and period of rehabilitation in order to get my quality of life back.
“Playing at Somerset and Glamorgan has presented me with many great opportunities as well as making a number of friends for life.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities cricket has provided me. I wish all the players and staff great success in the future and hope the lads can get on and play this year.
“Thank you Glamorgan! Thank you Somerset!”
Director of Cricket, Mark Wallace, said: “It’s always very sad when a player is forced to retire through injury and especially in Craig’s case at an age when many are reaching the peak of their careers.
“Craig’s natural talent and skill always stood out and he had a flair and talent for the game, which made him exciting to watch and play with.”
“Moreover, off the field, Craig was a committed professional and popular member of the squad who always worked hard to give himself and the team the best chance of success.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone at the club in thanking Craig for everything he has done both on and off the pitch during his time here and we wish him well for a bright future outside of the playing field.”