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ZIMBABWE all-rounder Sean Ervine called it quits from professional cricket on Saturday with immediate effect.

Having moved out of Zimbabwe cricket in 2004 after representing the country in five Tests and 42 ODIs, the left-handed batsman went ahead to make a big career at Hampshire. He exits the scene with 11 390 first-class runs and 280 wickets, 5 716 runs and 206 wickets in List A cricket, apart from 3 000-plus T20 runs and 68 wickets.

Announcing the decision through his Twitter handle, Ervine said: “Yesterday, I made the biggest decision of my life. After 14 years playing county cricket I have decided to hang up my number 7 shirt.”

He emerged to be one of the most important cogs in Hampshire cricket, but after being dropped following a string of poor performances, Ervine had earlier this season moved to Derbyshire’s second-division team. He failed to produce the runs in the two outings he had with Derbyshire, scoring just 2, 1, 26 and 22.

Derbyshire captain Billy Godleman said: “Sean shared with the group today that he’s had a long hard think about his career and he’s decided to retire as of today from the game.

“Although he’s only been with us for a couple of games, we’ve all played against him for many years and he’s been a fantastic performer and most importantly a really good solid cricket man and one of the good guys in professional cricket.” – Cricbuzz