Durham County Cricket Club can confirm that batsman Michael Di Venuto has announced his retirement from county cricket with immediate effect.
Di Venuto, who joined Durham in 2007, shared the club’s joy as they secured their historic first piece of silverware, The Friends Provident Trophy, in his first season. He has been a major contributor with the bat in his time with Durham scoring 6488 first class runs. From 2007 – 2010 he scored over 1000 runs a season including a massive haul of 1654 in 2009, including two double centuries, when Durham won the LV= County Championship for the second time.
On his retirement, Michael Di Venuto said, “”My body won’t allow me to prepare and play the way I want. I set high standards for myself and if I was to continue playing then it would be below these standards. While I know I still have some quality short form cricket in me, the day in day out nature of First Class cricket I physically can’t do anymore.
“My time at Durham has been incredible. To play with a great bunch of blokes in some history making teams is something that I will cherish and look back on fondly. My family and I have loved our time in the North East and have some wonderful memories to take home with us. I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club for making our time here so enjoyable. We will miss Durham CCC.”
Durham CCC Head Coach Geoff Cook added, “Michael has been a prolific run scorer for the club during his time here and is a much respected player, who will be greatly missed. He has proved to be a real inspiration on the field and the knowledge and guidance he has shared with our squad, especially the batsmen, has encouraged growth within the side.
“Michael should be incredibly proud of his time here at Durham and we wish him all the very best with his future endeavours.”