Caddick picks 'right time' to retire after 19 years in game

Round-up

Andrew Caddick has announced that he will retire at the end of the season after 19 years in county cricket. The 40-year-old Somerset fast bowler, who played in 62 Test matches for England, has decided to call time on his career after struggling with injury over recent seasons.

"It's the right time to go," Caddick said. "I want to go while the body can still do it, rather than be put in a position where the body decides to give up." Caddick was a fine performer in his prime, although he could be frustratingly inconsistent and was often more effective bowling in the second innings. Nonetheless, performances like that which he gave at Headingley in 2000, when he dismantled West Indies, will live long in England supporters' memories.

Another former England cricketer, Chris Read, has shown the sort of form with the bat this season that in years past would have brought instant calls for his return to international duty. Matt Prior's admirable recent efforts, however, makes that look less than likely but Read's performances are worthy of note nonetheless. Yesterday he scored 98 as Nottinghamshire reached 365 against Somerset having been 147 for 6 when he came to the wicket.

The West Country side – who would have thought victory a distinct possibility before Read's intervention, having made 401 for 8 in their first innings – then went to 29 for 0 before rain ended play. A result now looks unlikely with both sides staying in contention for the title.

Then again, at this stage of the season most of the nine top-flight sides can normally still dream of the pennant. Not so Worcestershire, who are rooted to the bottom having lost six out of their 10 games. A seventh looks likely at home to Warwickshire as they slumped to 111 all out in reply to Warwickshire's 309. Following on, Worcestershire were 206-6, a lead of eight.