Worcestershire quick Charlie Morris forced into retirement with knee injury

Worcestershire seamer Charlie Morris has been forced into retirement after failing to overcome a knee injury.

The 30-year-old played his last competitive match 10 months ago and has been unable to regain full fitness.

He departs with over a decade of service under his belt at New Road, with 237 first-class wickets and 76 in white-ball cricket.

"After several weeks of contemplation, I have come to a decision to announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," he said.

"Throughout my cricketing journey, countless individuals have contributed to my success, and while it's impossible to acknowledge everyone by name, I'd like to express my gratitude to the staff at Worcestershire, my teammates, and the phenomenal coaches and support staff who I've had the privilege to work with.

"No professional cricketer can thrive without a strong support network, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my family for being there for me every step of the way throughout my career.

"As a cricketer, I am tremendously proud of everything I have accomplished, and I want to extend my best wishes to everyone at Worcestershire as they move forward. As for me, I will continue to be a keen supporter of the Club."

Pears head coach Alan Richardson and Cricket Steering Group Chair Paul Pridgeon paid tribute to Morris.

"Charlie worked incredibly hard, his attention to detail was unsurpassed, and he did everything in his powers to make sure he came back. Anyone who has watched him knows that Charlie puts his heart and soul into every performance," said Richardson

"His record speaks for itself, and he has been on a hell of a journey."

Pridgeon said: "Charlie Morris epitomises everything good about this Club. He is an outstanding individual who always puts the team first.

"He gives you maximum effort every game he plays and is just such an engaging, lovely human being. A model professional on and off the pitch.

"For something like this to happen to him is very sad.

"To have to overcome the adversity of remodelling his action, he has had to dig deep at various stages of his career, and he has always done it for the good of the Club.

"He is the sort of guy you always want around, and he will be sadly missed by everyone. The players and, indeed the whole Club, are really saddened that he has had to retire prematurely, and we wish him and his family well in the future. "