Gloucestershire seamer Craig Miles retires at 32 to protect mental well-being

Gloucestershire pace bowler Craig Miles has retired from professional cricket at 32 to prioritise his mental well-being.

The announcement came on 2 October in an open letter published on the club website, according to BBC Sport. Miles said he had struggled with the game in recent times and had taken the decision to step away.

"It's with sadness, but also with huge pride, that I can announce my retirement from professional cricket," Miles wrote, as reported by the Bristol Post.

Miles made his Gloucestershire debut as a 16-year-old in 2011. He later spent six years at Warwickshire, where he helped the club win the 2021 County Championship, England's domestic first-class competition played over four days.

He returned to Gloucestershire ahead of the 2026 season on a three-year deal, a move Warwickshire had confirmed last autumn in a club statement. His career brought 512 wickets across all three formats: first-class, one-day and T20 cricket.

Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis said the decision was incredibly brave and had the full backing of everyone at the club.

For fans, this means a familiar new-ball face leaves just months into his second spell at Bristol. It also leaves a record that stands on its own. More than 500 wickets takes durability. It takes skill through different pitches, balls and match lengths.