On this day in 2003: Alec Stewart announces retirement from cricket

Stewart made 133 Test appearances for England during his career.

Pa Sport Staff
Friday 15 September 2023 06:00 BST
Alec Stewart announced his retirement from first-class cricket on this day in 2003 (Martin Rickett/PA)
Alec Stewart announced his retirement from first-class cricket on this day in 2003 (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England Test batter and wicketkeeper Alec Stewart announced his retirement from cricket on this day in 2003.

The Surrey player brought his career to a close at his home ground, the Oval, as England secured victory in the fifth and final Test against South Africa to draw the series 2-2.

Stewart made 133 Test appearances for England during his career and, having made his county debut in 1981, finished with figures of 26,165 first-class runs at an average of 40.06 over 447 matches.

“Playing for Surrey throughout my career has been a fantastic privilege,” he said.

“I have been lucky enough to play with some great players and particularly to be a part of the huge success the club has achieved over the last eight years.

“I look forward to contributing to Surrey’s continued success both on and off the pitch in years to come.

“Surrey has been my life and will continue to be so. But there are other areas in the sporting environment where I will venture in the very near future.”

Stewart was appointed Surry’s Director of Cricket in 2014, after having previously held the title of executive director at the Oval since 2011.

Under his tenure, Surrey have won two LV= Insurance County Championship titles and they are currently top of Division One this season with two matches to go.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in