Derbyshire’s wicket-keeper Tom Poynton has announced his retirement from the professional game due to a persistent injury.
The 26-year-old sustained an ankle injury in a car crash in April 2014. The crash, which tragically killed the player’s father and resulted in Poynton not playing at all during the 2014 season, caused a microfracture in his right ankle and some cartilage had to be removed.
Recovery took some time as doctors had to attempt to stimulate the growth of new cartilage. Poynton returned to play for Derbyshire in 2015, but due to his professional workload and continued deterioration in the ankle he has been forced to make this decision.
“It’s been a really difficult decision to retire from the game I love, but the medical diagnosis and advice means I know that it’s the right decision,” he said.
“I’m grateful to everyone in the Derbyshire cricket family and further afield who have helped me during my career, both on and off the field.”
Originally from Staffordshire and educated at the prestigious Repton school in South Derbyshire, Poynton is a product of the Cricket Derbyshire Academy and a former England under-19 player.
The Poynton family have been involved with Derbyshire cricket for many years.
“I’ve loved playing for Derbyshire, a Club I’ve been associated with for over 10 years, and I’m sad to leave,” he added.
“I now need to focus on the next stage of my life after cricket. There’s a few opportunities that I’m going to pursue and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Poynton appeared in 117 matches for Derbyshire since making his debut in 2007. In total he scored 1,603 runs, with a top score of 106 versus Northamptonshire in 2012, and claimed 168 dismissals behind the stumps.
Chief executive Simon Storey added: “Tom is a natural leader and fine cricketer who has overcome great personal tragedy in the process of representing his home county.
“He has shown huge commitment and courage to get back playing first-class cricket at Derbyshire and on behalf of the whole Club – Members, sponsors, supporters and staff – we all wish Tom every success in the future.”
