Julian Thompson, Kent's leading wicket-taker in 1999, today announced his retirement from first-class cricket at the age of 32. The knee injury which forced him to miss all of last season has failed to respond to treatment this winter.

Commenting on his decision, Thompson said: "I am obviously most disappointed to have to end my cricket career this way. After such a successful season in 1999 I had been very much looking forward to going further in the game.

"Sadly, after two operations and a winter of rehabilitation, my knee has not responded and, with agreement from surgeons and physiotherapists, I have decided to call it a day.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time in county cricket and have made many good friends. I shall miss the buzz and the dressing room banter enormously, but hope very much that I shall continue to retain close links with the club into the future."

Kent captain Matthew Fleming said: "It is a sad day for Julian and for Kent cricket. Julian has always been a great team man, both on and off the field. Kent County Cricket Club and the Kent dressing room will be the poorer without him."

Derek Ufton, chairman of cricket at the club, said: "Julian first played for Kent in 1994 and throughout his career has always been totally committed to the teams in which he has played. In 1999 he was our leading wicket-taker with 64 wickets and it is a great pity that injury has deprived him of further success. Everyone at the club would wish to thank him for his contribution to Kent cricket."

The South African-born Thompson holds the distinction of dismissing Brian Lara twice for a duck in Kent's game against the West Indies in 1995 - the first pair the West Indian had ever suffered in first-class cricket.

© CricInfo Ltd.