Tom Poynton forced to retire from cricket at the age of 26 due to after-effects of car crash

Derbyshire’s Tom Poynton has retired from cricket at the age of 26 following recurring troubles in his ankle. The wicket-keeper batsman was injured in a car crash which also claimed his father’s life in 2014.

Despite having made an emotional comeback to the sport during the following county season, he decided to call it quits after a flare-up in the ankle necessitated further surgery. Prior to last month, the right-hander took part in every first-class fixture for Derbyshire.

Speaking to the county’s official website, Poynton revealed, “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. 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.”

He added, “I've loved playing for Derbyshire, a club I've been associated with for over 10 years, and I'm sad to leave. I now need to focus on the next stage of my life after cricket. There are a few opportunities that I'm going to pursue and I'm excited about what lies ahead.”

Aside from playing 117 matches for his domestic side across all the three formats, Poynton had represented England U-19s too. Touted as an efficient glovesman, he was more than handy with the bat as well having scored over 1100 runs from 47 first-class games.

Chief Executive, Simon Storey, acknowledged his contributions to Derbyshire cricket and believed, “Tom is a model professional and leaves the club with a gap to fill on and off the field. He is a natural leader and fine cricketer who has overcome great personal tragedy in the process of representing his home county.”

Storey thanked, “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.”