Gloucestershire spinner Tom Smith has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the end of the team’s campaign in the T20 Blast.

Smith played a key role in the team’s victory in the Royal London One Day Cup in 2015 and the T20 Blast last season. He is second in the list of highest wicket-takers in T20 for the club.

Tom Smith started his career for Glouscestershire 12 years ago in a practice match against Australia A. He has picked 301 wickets for the club across all formats and also has 154 wickets to his name in T20.

Writing a letter to Club, Smith said, “It feels like the time is right. Over the last few seasons, I have had the good fortune of pursuing a coaching career alongside my playing career and I am now ready to put my full focus on that.”

“Thank you Gloucestershire for believing in me. The last 13 seasons have been very special for both me and my family. From taking the club to Division One to winning two white-ball trophies, these have been my best days on the cricket field,” he said.

On the other hand, Gloucester head coach Mark Allen congratulated Smith has taken on full-fledged coaching role.

“Tom has played over 50 first-class matches, but he has excelled in white-ball cricket,” Allen said.

“As he begins a new chapter in coaching, we are confident that he will carry on with the same energy and skill that has defined his playing career. He has already made great strides in this area. We will never forget his contribution to Gloucestershire cricket.”

In this letter, Tom Smith has also thanked the fans and staff of the club, who supported him a lot after the death of his wife Laura in 2018.

“The Gloucestershire dressing room is not just full of great cricketers, but even better people. It is an honour to share it with them. 2018 was the toughest year of my life. The love and support I received from everyone at the club during that time was beyond words.”

Tom Smith who joined professional cricket from Sussex in 2006, has taken 82 wickets in 55 first class matches, 103 wickets in 112 List A matches and 192 wickets in 186 T20 matches in his career.