Cork retires from all cricket

Updated at: 1532 PST, Friday, September 23, 2011
LONDON: Former England international Dominic Cork announced his retirement from all cricket on Thursday, saying he aims to spend more time with his family.

The 40-year-old all-rounder, who won 37 Test caps and made 32 one-day appearances, also enjoyed a successful county career that included stints with Derbyshire, Lancashire and, most recently, Hampshire.

"I'm going to retire from all cricket from now," Cork told Sky Sports News.

"It's quite an emotional day for me, it's a hard decision but it's the right decision for me.

"I'm 40 now, I'm not getting any younger and it's hard work, but I've had a great career."

Cork acknowledged his decision was partly for personal reasons following the recent death of his father.

"There were offers out there, I considered them long and hard and looked at where I wanted to be in my life," he continued.

"Losing my father a month ago, who was one of my biggest inspirations, makes you think about your life and take stock.

"I want to get back to family life -- cricket can make you a selfish person, and it's time to give it back to people."

Cork made his one-day international debut against Pakistan in 1992 before earning his first Test cap against the West Indies in 1995.

He famously took a hat-trick in only his third Test as England scored a six-wicket win over the West Indies at Old Trafford.