Cricket world pays tribute after Ashes batter announces retirement after 22

Cricket fans and officials are congratulating Joe Denly on a wonderful career after the former Test batter announced he'll retire at the end of the English domestic season. The 40-year-old played 15 Tests and 16 one-day internationals for England, including all five matches in the 2019 Ashes series against Australia.

He played over 250 first-class games across a 22-year professional career, amassing over 14,000 runs and scoring 32 centuries. In the 2019 Ashes series in England he made 301 runs and registered his highest Test score of 94 in the fifth Test.

"After an incredible journey in professional cricket, the time has come for me to announce my retirement from the game at the end of the 2026 campaign," Denly said in a statement released by club team Kent.

"Cricket has given me more than I could ever have imagined. From making my debut for Kent to representing England on the international stage, every moment has been a privilege.

"I've been fortunate to share dressing-rooms with outstanding teammates, work with exceptional coaches and support staff, and play in front of fans whose encouragement has meant so much. Representing Kent has always been a source of immense pride. The club will always be my second home, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and memories it has given me."

Cricket world pays tribute to Joe Denly

Kent's director of cricket Simon Cook was among the many to pay tribute, saying: "Joe has been an outstanding servant to our county. His record speaks for itself, and he will rightly be remembered as one of the modern greats of Kent Cricket, having contributed with distinction across all formats over a vast period of time.

"His longevity in the game is remarkable, having played alongside Joe myself for Kent in my playing career, and winning trophies with him. On behalf of everyone at Kent Cricket on and off the field, I'd like to thank Joe for his two decades of service to the Club, and we hope to give him a fitting send-off at the end of this season."

Denly also played 13 T20 internationals for England and is one of only seven Kent players to score a domestic century in all three formats. He was named the Professional Cricketers' Association player of the year in 2018 and also won the most valuable player award.

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