Ward retires to develop TV career

Ward spent two seasons with Sussex after 12 with Surrey

Former England batsman Ian Ward has announced his retirement to take up a full-time broadcasting career.

Ward, 33, who spent eight years with Surrey, was half-way through a four-year contract with Sussex but struggled with a groin injury in 2005.

"I know I'll miss it when the new season starts, especially the camaraderie," he said.

"Television provides its own challenges and I am looking forward to developing my career in a different direction."

Ward has spent the last two winters as a regular presenter and commentator on Sky Sports.

To miss so many games in the second half of the season was very frustrating Ian Ward

He played in five Tests, including three Ashes clashes, in 2001, hitting 129 runs.

His first-class career brought 8,575 runs at an average of 40.25 and he was part of ther Surrey side that won the County Championship three times between 1999 and 2002.

But he was restricted to just 10 Championship matches in his second season at Hove.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Sussex and the club have been very good to me," he continued.

"I am disappointed I wasn't able to make more of a contribution this year.

"I'd never missed a match through injury before so to miss so many games in the second half of the season was very frustrating."

Sussex manager Mark Robinson added, "To lose a player of Ian's calibre and experience in the dressing room is obviously disappointing

"But I can totally understand his decision having been in a similar position myself."