37-year-old Sussex-born left-arm spinner Tom Smith has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The Gloucestershire spinner will hang his boots after the club's ongoing T20 Blast 2025 campaign.
Smith had signed a one-year contract extension with Gloucestershire last year. In addition to his playing duties, he was in the coaching staff as well. Gloucestershire are unlikely to make it to the quarter-finals with five wins from 13 games. On July 18, he will play his last match against Somerset at The County Ground, Taunton.
"It feels like the right time," Smith wrote in an open letter on the club's website. "Over the past few seasons, I've been fortunate to begin building a coaching career alongside playing, and I'm now ready to give that my full focus.
"To Gloucestershire, thank you for believing in me. These past 13 seasons have been incredibly special for both me and my family. From playing a part in the club's promotion to Division One to winning two white-ball trophies, they've been the best days I've had on a cricket field."
Tom Smith's career in numbers
The 37-year-old spinner has played 55 first-class games and claimed 82 wickets at an average of 50.86. He found his niche in limited overs cricket, especially in T20s. In List A format, he has 103 scalps from 112 games. He has played 186 T20s and taken 192 wickets. He has registered three five-wicket hauls in his T20 career.
Last season, he was part of the Gloucestershire side that clinched the T20 Blast title. He won England's One-Day Cup with Gloucestershire in 2015.
Smith thanked fans for their support in tough times in their life. He lauded the dressing room atmosphere in Gloucestershire dressing room.
"The Glosters dressing room is full of not just brilliant cricketers, but even better people. It's been an honour to share it with them," he wrote. "2018 was the hardest year of my life … the love and support I received from everyone at the club during that time meant more than I can ever say.
"Finally to my family, my three beautiful daughters and my partner, Georgie, thank you for your love, patience, and support. You've been my rock, and now, hopefully, I'll get to spend more time watching your matches."
Coach reserves high praise for Smith
Gloucestershire head coach, Mark Alleyne, labelled Smith as one of the most consistent spinners in England. he is confident about Smith contributing well as a coach post-retirement.
"While Tom played more than 50 first-class matches, it's in white-ball cricket where he truly excelled," Alleyne said. "With 186 appearances, he has been one of the most consistent spinners in the country.
"As he begins a new chapter in coaching, we're confident he'll approach it with the same energy and skill that defined his playing career. He's already made great strides in this area, and while the transition is expected to be seamless, we will never forget the outstanding contribution he has made to Gloucestershire cricket."