WORCESTERSHIRE seamer David Lucas has retired from first-class cricket after agreeing to a mutual cancellation of the remaining year of his New Road contract.

The 35-year-old left-armer was told first-team opportunities would be minimal in the forthcoming campaign, which effectively brought the curtain down on his 14-year professional career.

The fast-medium pace bowler started his career with home county Nottinghamshire in 1999 and went on to have stints with Yorkshire and Northamptonshire prior to joining Worcestershire in 2011.

Lucas made 95 first-class appearances, claiming 264 wickets as well as 127 scalps in 113 one-day matches.

He said: “I’d like to thank everybody at Worcestershire for the last few years and their understanding in reaching this decision and I would like to wish them well for the future.

“I’m very much looking forward to continuing my business, Pristine Clean, along with progressing my coaching opportunities and spending more time with my wife and family.”

County director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “Everybody at the club would like to wish Dave and his family all the best in his life outside of cricket and he will always be welcome at New Road in the future.”