5:08PM, Mon Jul 9, 2012

Durham Veteran Michael Di Venuto Retires From County Cricket

Michael Di Venuto: Durham veteran has retired from county cricket

Durham veteran Michael Di Venuto has retired from county cricket as he cannot cope with the physical demands of the first-class game.

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The Australian enjoyed a successful spell after moving to the north-east in 2007 from Derbyshire, helping Durham lift the Friends Provident Trophy - their first piece of silverware - in his first season.

Di Venuto was in fearsome form at the top of the order in the next campaign, making 1,601 runs at 80.05 as Durham won their first County Championship before retaining it the following season.

The 38-year-old left-hander enjoys playing high quality cricket and feels he would no longer be able to do himself justice if he were to carry on playing county cricket.

Preparations

"My body won't allow me to prepare and play the way I want," he told Durham's official website.

"I set high standards for myself and if I was to continue playing then it would be below these standards.

"While I know I still have some quality short form cricket in me, the day in, day out nature of first-class cricket I physically can't do anymore."

Prolific

Durham head coach Geoff Cook was quick to pay tribute to Di Venuto's achievements at Chester-le-Street.

"Michael has been a prolific run scorer for the club during his time here and is a much respected player, who will be greatly missed," said Cook.

"He has proved to be a real inspiration on the field and the knowledge and guidance he has shared with our squad, especially the batsmen, has encouraged growth within the side.

"Michael should be incredibly proud of his time here at Durham and we wish him all the very best with his future endeavours."