Hip inury forces Giles to call it a day

London, Aug 9 (UNI) England spinner Ashley Giles today announced his retirement from all versions of the game due to a persistent hip injury.

Giles, who was suffering from a chronic hip injury for over a year, called it a day following his surgeon's advice.

''Following guidance from my hip surgeon, Dr Marc Philippon, I am very sorry to announce that I am retiring from all forms of cricket with immediate effect,'' he said.

''I had hoped to make a full recovery and return to playing over the next few months but the advice I have received means that there is no chance of me returning to cricket at any level,'' he added.

The 34-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner, who had undergone three operations for his injury, said that he had no regrets about his decision, but was little disappointed about the fashion in which he was leaving the game.

''I feel lucky to have travelled the world playing a game with my mates and hugely privileged to have played alongside and against some of the greatest cricketers to grace the game.

''I would have liked to have left cricket at the very top, still playing the game I have always loved. But there is no chance of me returning to cricket at any level, whether it be on the village green or Test arena.

''It has been a huge honour to play for my country and to play a part in one of the most successful periods in its cricketing history,'' Giles said.

Meanwhile, England captain Michael Vaughan has termed the Warwickshire spinner's early retirement as a sad, disappointing news for all English cricketers.

''Ashley's retirement is very sad news and everyone in the England dressing room will miss his professionalism and, of course, his sense of humour,'' Vaughan said.

In his illustrious career, Giles has claimed 143 wickets in 54 Tests and 55 wickets in 62 One-day Internationals respectively.

UNI