THIS summer will be Hamish Marshall’s last with Gloucestershire with the batsman leaving the county after 11 years.

Marshall, 37, will return to his native New Zealand where he hopes to continue his playing career and will pursue job opportunities for life after cricket.

Marshall joined Gloucestershire in 2006 as an overseas player before committing to the county as a home-qualified player through an Irish passport in 2008.

He is Gloucestershire’s highest-ever T20 run scorer with more than 2500 runs so far and represented his country in 13 Test matches.

Marshall said: “I have had 11 incredible years at Gloucestershire and would like to thank my team mates, the staff and the supporters for making it such a memorable time.

“At the stage I am at in my career I have to start thinking about life after cricket and what is best for my family. I am lucky enough to have been offered an opportunity that is too good to turn down and in order to take this up I will be leaving Gloucestershire at the end of the season.

“I have so many amazing memories from my time here but the highlight has to be winning the One-Day Cup at Lord’s last year – that is something that will stay with me forever.

“There is still a lot of cricket to be played until the end of the season and I look forward to trying to keep scoring runs and helping the side fight for success in all three competitions.”