Matt Prior Quits Cricket on Medical Advice

The Sussex and England wicket-keeper Matt Prior on Thursday announced his retirement on medical advice from all forms of professional cricket.

Matt Prior said: "Today is a very sad day for me as I am forced to announce my retirement from the game I love. I had been hoping and expecting to be fit for the start of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision."

Thanks for all your support over the years guys. See you all soon https://t.co/VtwtxDcZd9

- Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) June 11, 2015

One of the most prolific wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of the international game, Prior played the last of his 79 Tests for England in last summer's Test Match against India at Lord's and he leaves the international stage with 4,099 Test runs and 256 Test dismissals to his name.

His career tally with the gloves leaves him behind only Alan Knott in the list of England wicket-keepers in Test cricket, ninth in the all-time world list, and he also claimed a further 88 dismissals in one-day and T20 international cricket.

Congrats @MattPrior13 on a brilliant Eng career. Sad he's had to retire due to injury but should be proud of his achievements #keepersunion

- Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) June 11, 2015

"I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England as many times as I have and shared so many great times with both teams. I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of such success for English cricket, Prior said in a statement.

"I would like to thank my family, team-mates, coaches and the people behind the scenes that have supported me throughout the years. I have created friendships that will last forever. It would also be remiss of me not to thank the fantastic support I have had from cricket fans both at home and abroad.

"I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first. A value that will never leave me whatever I go on to do. Although I haven't achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on," said Prior.

ECB's director, England Cricket Andrew Strauss said: "Matt has had a wonderful career as a wicket-keeper batsman for both Sussex and England. During a period where the Test team won three Ashes series and achieved the World no.1 ranking, Matt's contribution, both on and off the field, was immense.

"It is a huge shame that his career has come to an end in this way, although his athletic wicket-keeping and counter attacking batting will live long in the memories of both his team mates and England supporters."

Fantastic Career @MattPrior13..... https://t.co/1DgLDQbv9z

- Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 11, 2015

Matt Prior career highlights:

2001 - Makes his county debut as a 19-year for Sussex.

2003 - Scores more than 1,000 First Class runs as Sussex wins first-ever County Championship title.

2006 - Enjoys a double County Championship title and C and G Trophy Final win with Sussex.

2007 - Scores 126 not out on his Test debut against West Indies at Lord's.

2009 - Tastes Ashes success with England for the first time as England beat Australia 2-1.

2010 - Named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

2011 - Makes his maiden Ashes Test hundred against Australia in Sydney and finishes the five match series with 23 catches - an Ashes record for an England wicket-keeper.

2012 - Included in the ICC's Test Team of the Year.

2013 - Makes an unbeaten, match-saving century to help England stave off defeat in the Auckland Test Match against New Zealand. Is subsequently named England Men's Cricketer of the Year.