Batty calls time after 18 years in county game

Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty has announced his retirement from county cricket after 18 seasons as a professional.

The 38-year-old played his last game for the county last week against Leicestershire at Grace Road, having spent three years with the club following long service with Surrey.

Gloucestershire have already lined up a replacement and South African born gloveman Gareth Roderick, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with Cheltenham in the West of England League, has been offered a contract.

Batty admitted: "It's with great sadness that the moment has come for me to call time on my career.

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"I've had an amazing 18 years playing first class cricket and living the dream. My mind is full of wonderful memories that will last forever.

"I'd like to thank Gloucestershire for the last three years. I hope I've been a positive influence and helped the side develop as they build towards a return to the top flight in the future.

"Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me, both on and off the field, over the years."

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: "Jon has been a model professional in his time with us.

"His positive attitude on and off the field has been tremendous and he can leave the game with his head held high. He is the consummate team player."

Skipper Alex Gidman added: "Jon has never stopped putting in the required amount of effort during his time with us.

"His attitude has been great and he has contributed off the pitch as well as on it."

Batty made his first class debut in 1994. He scored over 9,500 runs, with 20 centuries, plus more than 3,500 in one-day cricket. As a wicketkeeper he achieved more than 650 first class dismissals.

Ireland's George Dockrell has been named as the International Cricket Council's associate and affiliate player of the year.

Somerset Spinner Dockrell pipped his Irish team-mates Kevin O'Brien, Ed Joyce and Paul Stirling plus Afghanistan's Dawlat Zadran to lift the award.

Dockrell, 20, was the leading associate and affiliate wicket-taker over the last 12 months with 43 dismissals.

The Irishman picked up the honour at the ICC's annual awards in Colombo.