Ian Westwood retires with immediate effect

Ian Westwood, the Warwickshire opening batsman and former captain, has announced his retirement with immediate effect after a 15-year long playing career. Westwood, 34, was born and brought up in Birmingham and progressed through Warwickshire’s youth teams. He made his first-class debut against India A in 2003.

He was a part of the team that won the County Championship title in 2004 and was appointed as captain 2009. Though he stepped down from the role next year itself, he played a vital role in Warwickshire’s County Championship triumph in 2012.

In his 15-year career, he played 159 first-class matches in which he amassed 8077 runs at an average of 33.10. He scored 16 centuries and 42 half centuries in this period and his highest score was 196. Westwood also 60 List A games but could muster runs only at an average of 23. He was part of his club T20 team for 38 matches in which he scored 342 runs at a strike rate of 114. These stats prove he was a player who loved to accumulate runs in the longest format of the game. Unfortunately, he could never represent England in Tests.

Proud moment

“Playing for my home county was all that I ever wanted to do as a junior and I am very proud to have enjoyed a 15-year career where I have been part of teams that have won the County Championship, and also captained the club,” said Westwood.

“It has been a very difficult decision to retire, but this is the right time and I would like to thank the many people that have supported me throughout, particularly the players and coaches who I have worked with, club members and of course my family. I’m now going to enjoy a period with my family, but certainly intend to remain in cricket and will be a regular visitor to Edgbaston to catch up with the lads and support the Bears,” he added.

Jim Troughton, Warwickshire’s first-team coach previously played with Westwood for 12 years, said: “Westy typified the character and professionalism needed to be a true Bear.

“Opening the batting in Division One Championship cricket is a real test of skill and temperament and he has exhibited this throughout his career. He has captained the club and been an integral part of our success over the last 13 years and he should be very proud of what he has achieved,” he concluded.

Ashley Giles, the club’s sports director, also praised Westwood for his contribution to Warwickshire cricket. “Westy has given everything to Warwickshire CCC since he first wore the Bear and Ragged Staff. It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with him as a player and captain,” he said.

Giles also hailed his decision to hang up his boots. “It is a very brave decision to choose to retire at this stage of the season, but it is one that we fully respect and I am very much in favour of players leaving the game on their own terms, when they believe that it is the right time.”