English fast bowler Craig Miles has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 32, saying he needs to step away to protect his mental health.Miles, who last played in June during the Vitality Blast, finishes a 15-year career with more than 500 wickets across formats.In an open letter published by Gloucestershire, Miles explained that his recent struggles with cricket had become too difficult to manage.“It’s with sadness, but also with huge pride, that I can announce my retirement from professional cricket. Although this has by no means been an easy decision, given the struggles I’ve experienced with the game in recent times, I’ve made this call in order to prioritise my mental well-being,” he wrote.“My recent time away from the game has given me the opportunity to reflect and understand myself better, as well as my relationship with cricket. The challenges I’ve faced recently are ones I’ve experienced at other points in my career, although never with the same intensity as this time. The high expectations I place on myself and the standards I’ve always tried to reach, have often been the catalyst for these periods.“At times, they have compromised how I’ve felt about my abilities and performances. The questioning and self-doubt that follow only serve to reinforce an unhelpful narrative. When you add in the volatility and uncertainty that cricket naturally brings, it becomes an unforgiving and ultimately unsustainable way to approach the game.”
Looking back on his career
Miles said he no longer felt capable of maintaining the standards he expected from himself, despite having enjoyed many successful periods in the sport.“Unfortunately, I now feel I no longer have the capacity to continue in a way that allows me to train, play and perform to a standard I can accept from myself. Of course, there have also been so many periods when I’ve loved the game, played with freedom and truly expressed the player I am.“A first-class debut at 16, more than 200 games, over 500 wickets, a One Day Cup and a Championship win – it’s been a pretty good go. I can appreciate those accomplishments more than ever now and, perhaps for the first time, give myself the self-validation I deserve.”Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis called Miles’ decision brave and said the club would fully support him as he moves away from professional cricket.
