I recall writing a few years ago to commemorate Robert Croft's 1000 County Championship wickets for Glamorgan and now this is to mark the fact that the Welsh spin wizard has finally called time on his playing career at the age of 42 after 23 years.
It seems remarkable that fifteen years have elapsed since he played the first of his 21 Tests for England (more 'a British Lion') and eleven since his last. He took only 49 wickets but he was never a really attacking bowler, and it wasn't usually his role in the England side. Thde 1996-2001 period wasn't the nation's finest and he wasn't often on the winning side, whether in tests or ODIs. However, he did retire from internationals with the wicket of Ricky Ponting in his prime!
Of course, Robert Croft will be remembered more for as a staunch Welshman and stalwart professional with Glamorgan through some of the county's finest hours, including a few successful seasons as captain. As well as capturing well over 1600 wickets in all competitions, he re-invented himself as a useful late-order batsman and one-day pinch-hitter. A career first-class batting average of 25 is excellent for somone whose primary role was as a slow bowler, and he struck eight centuries, as well as four in one-day cricket.
In 2012 his appearances for Glamorgan were more spasmodic but he was his typical economic self in Glamorgan's T20 campaign then, given an opportunity to bow out in the last two Championship matches, he played a major part in the side's unexpected rout of promotion hopefuls Kent, taking 5-31 in the first innings and the last wicket to fall in the second.
He didn't look particularly happy as he received the plaudits and awards on the pitch at Sophia Gardens, but then Robert Croft's face never seemed made for smiles and laughter! I'm sure he will be happy to reflect on a wonderful career at Glamorgan and ambassador for Welsh cricket generally. NO doubt that will remain a big part of his new role trying to bring on future talent at the county. If Glamorgan unearth a new Robert Croft they will all be laughing.
