Michael Yardy to hang up spikes

FORMER England all-rounder Michael Yardy has announced he will retire from all forms of cricket when the current season ends.

The 34-year-old Sussex player helped his side win the County Championship three times, and also played 28 ODIs and 14 twenty20 internationals for the Three Lions.

He was part of the side which won the World Twenty20 title in 2010, but returned home early from the 2011 World Cup with depression.

Yardy said: “Now is the time to start a new journey away from playing cricket. I have found the last few years increasingly more difficult and frustrating, and want to look back on my career with pride and fondness.

“I would like to thank so many people, including all the great team-mates over my career who have helped me be part of some very special things with Sussex and realise a dream of playing for England.”