Jack Shantry, Worcestershire’s medium-pacer, has called it quits from all forms of the game, on Monday (June 25). He didn’t feature in any county game this year due to a back injury.

The long-standing injury forced the left-arm paceman to make this decision on medical advice. He will now pursue a career in umpiring and will spend the rest of the ongoing season by being involved in ambassadorial works for the county.

“Whilst I am incredibly disappointed to retire at 30, I'm immeasurably grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by Worcestershire over the last 10 seasons,” said Shantry.

“I feel lucky to have shared a dressing room with the players that I did, and happy to have achieved more in the professional game than I thought I would.

“I will carry on for the rest of the season in an ambassadorial role for the club. In the short term, I will be pursuing opportunities in the media as well as coaching, while long-term I plan to continue my umpiring qualifications.”

Shantry’s first-class debut came two days after his List A debut for Worcestershire, in August 2009. In a career spanning over eight years, the 30-year-old bagged a total of 266 wickets in 92 first-class games at 29.25 and took 92 scalps in 73 List A matches for the county. He also has two first-class centuries to his name.

Worcestershire head coach Kevin Sharp said: “Shants has been a great servant to the club. He has been an unusual bowler and he has taken a lot of wickets and what a great stalwart for Worcestershire.

“It is always a bit sad when someone has to finish through injury. He has got a back injury which is not allowing him to bowl so he is fully retired from cricket now.