Hollioake to quit in 2004

Hollioake will play one final season with Surrey

Surrey skipper Adam Hollioake will retire at the end of next season.

Hollioake, who on Friday embarks on a charity trek from Edinburgh to Morocco, said his priorities had changed since the death of his brother Ben last year.

The 32-year-old said: "After much soul searching I have decided that 2004 will be my final year.

"I have many things that I want to do with my family, charity work with the Ben Hollioake Fund and my business interests in Perth.

Hollioake's journey is nigh

"I have had a marvellous 14 years at Surrey - and in the last seven years as captain, I feel we have achieved many things of which I am immensely proud.

"I will continue to give everything I can to the club in the next 12 months, and in the years to come."

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "We have had many discussions with Adam about his future, which have been open and honest throughout.

"Of course, we are very sad that Adam will be retiring at the end of next season, as he has been an outstanding captain and the most pivotal character in the club's success of recent years.

"We will continue to plan for Adam's succession and will ensure a smooth handover in to a new era."

Meanwhile, the London club has announced Hollioake will be awarded a benefit in his final season.

Sheldon added: "Adam has shown tremendous loyalty and service to both England and Surrey over the past decade and we all wish him a very successful benefit year."

Hollioake has led Surrey to eight domestic trophies in his seven years as captain, including three championship titles and this season's Twenty20 Cup and National League crown.

He scored a century on first-class debut against Derbyshire in 1993 and was named Surrey Young Player of the Year that season.

He later played Test and one-day cricket for England - captaining them in a one-day tournament in 1997 - but has been out of favour with selectors since 1999.