Craig Miles steps away from professional cricket

Gloucestershire bowler Craig Miles has retired from professional cricket at the age of 32, saying he needs to prioritise his mental well-being after a difficult period with the game.

Miles last played in June and had returned to Gloucestershire this year following six seasons with Warwickshire. In an open letter published by the club, he said his recent time away had helped him reflect on his relationship with cricket.

“Although this has by no means been an easy decision, given the struggles I've experienced with the game in recent times, I've made this call in order to prioritise my mental well-being,” Miles wrote.

He described how high personal expectations and the uncertainty of the sport had contributed to periods of self-doubt. “I now feel I no longer have the capacity to continue in a way that allows me to train, play and perform to a standard I can accept from myself,” he said.

A career spanning Gloucestershire and Warwickshire

Miles came through Gloucestershire's academy, made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2011 and turned professional two years later. He helped the county win the 2015 One-Day Cup and took nearly 300 wickets during his first spell with the club.

After moving to Warwickshire in 2018, he was part of the side that won the 2021 County Championship. He also claimed 5-28 in the Bob Willis Trophy final, in which Warwickshire beat Lancashire by an innings and 199 runs. Across his career, Miles took 512 wickets in all formats.

Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis called the decision “incredibly brave” and said the club fully backed Miles. Lewis added that Gloucestershire would support him as he moves on from the game.