CRICKET: GLOUCESTERSHIRE off-spinner Martyn Ball has announced his retirement from professional cricket today.

Ball has accepted a job to become sales director for UK and Europe with Real Estate Development Multinational, The Ginn Company.

The 36 year old played in 504 matches in all cricket for Gloucestershire, between 1988-2006, taking 704 wickets and scoring over 6,500 runs.

Ball said, "I have spent 19 fantastic years at Gloucestershire and have enjoyed becoming an integral part of a hugely successful one-day team. I would like to thank everyone involved along the way, from my first captain David Graveney, through to the current captain Jon Lewis; the backroom staff and our fans who have provided fantastic support over the years. "

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: "Obviously, we are all sad that Martyn Ball has decided to call time after 19 years of playing for Gloucestershire. He has been a terrific servant of the club, a tremendous competitor and a great favourite with the fans."

"We are all united in wanting to thank him for all his efforts for the club where he has made a significant contribution over those 19 years but especially during the past eight seasons when our team has collected nine trophies. "