LONDON, Feb 19: Anthony McGrath, the former England batsman and Yorkshire captain, announced his retirement on Tuesday after failing to win his battle against a thumb injury.

McGrath, who suffered the injury last season, spent all 17 years of his professional career with his home county, playing in 257 first-class matches and registering 35 first-class centuries.

The 37-year-old Bradford-born right-hander represented England in four Tests and 14 One-day Internationals.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have represented Yorkshire throughout my professional career,” McGrath told Yorkshire’s website.

“I have been involved with this great club every summer since I was 12 and it is going to be difficult not having the opportunity to play again.”

His highest first-class score was 211 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston in 2009, the same season he captained Yorkshire, while he also took 134 first-class wickets at an average of 35.—AFP