GRAEME Hick has become a Worcestershire sporting legend during the last 25 years. We hope his remarkable, record-breaking career will be marked in some permanent fashion by the county cricket club now it has been announced that this season will be his last.

The former England batsman was just 18 when he made his debut for the county in 1984. Now 42, he has decided to call time on a career that has seen him rack up more than 40,000 runs in first class cricket – including 136 centuries – and more than 1,000 catches.

His batting exploits for Worcestershire set him apart as one of the best players ever to turn out for the New Road outfit. Who can forget his magnificent 405 not out against Somerset in 1988?

The only real disappointment in his career was a failure to master the demands of international cricket, though it could be argued that his England career was damaged more by inconsistent selection and poor man-management than by a lack of ability.

Quiet and unassuming, Graeme has gone about his business at Worcestershire away from the spotlight. A one-club man, he has shown a level of loyalty to the county that is all too rare in modern professional sport.

County cricket will be a poorer place without him at the crease next season.

Batting legend and true gentleman – Graeme Hick has been both and we wish him well in whatever the future holds for him and his family.

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