Gloucestershire and former Nottinghamshire Second XI fast bowler Ian Saxelby has been forced to retire from professional cricket following surgery on a knee injury.

Saxelby damaged his knee while bowling against Surrey earlier in the LV= County Championship, and this is the latest in a series of injuries suffered by the 25-year-old.

Saxelby came through the Nottinghamshire age groups, following his two uncles Kevin and Mark Saxelby in his aspirations to represent Nottinghamshire. After playing for Nottinghamshire’s Second XI, he was scouted by Gloucestershire and taken on trial, before being handed a contract ahead of the 2008 season.

“Unfortunately my body is forcing me to hang up my boots,” said Saxelby.

"After recovering from my shoulder surgery last season I’m devastated by the seriousness of this recent career-ending injury.

"I feel that I have given everything to the sport and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent in the game.

“I must thank everyone I have met along the way, in this country and abroad, for the support that has come my way and I am very grateful for the opportunities cricket has given me.

"Finally I must thank Gloucestershire CCC for the past seven years. All the staff have been fantastic to work with and I wish the lads every success this season and in the coming years."

Saxelby’s first class debut came against Middlesex in July 2008, and he impressed before missing the entirety of the 2010 season through injury. 

He collected his career-best figures of 6-48 against Leicestershire in 2012, before missing 2013 after requiring surgery for his right bicep.

John Bracewell, Gloucestershire’s Director of Cricket, lamented Saxelby’s loss to the side, insisting that he will be difficult to replace. 

"He has been the consummate professional and proved to be a bowler beyond his years,” he said.

“With a good repeatable action he hit the wicket hard with control and out swing. He led our attack from an early age and his calm demeanour around pressure situations meant he was a ‘go to guy’ in tough situations.”

"It is a great shame that Ian has been forced to retire from the game at such a young age.”