GLAMORGAN seamer David Harrison has been forced to retire from first-class cricket because of a hip injury, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 29-year-old from Panteg suffered the problem in the close season and spent the winter trying to regain fitness.

But he has admitted defeat and hung up his bowling spikes after being advised to retire by three of the UK’s top specialists in order to avoid problems in later life.

An emotional Harrison told his teammates that he would be retiring before yesterday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 clash with Essex at the Swalec Stadium.

“It's disappointing to have to retire through injury,” said Harrison, who signed a new contract early last season that would have taken him through to the end of the 2012 campaign.

"It's sad but I've had time to reflect on the situation over the last couple of weeks and I look back on a fantastic 13-year career.

“I feel very lucky to have had the chance to play professional cricket”

Harrison, whose younger brother Adam was forced to retire in 2009 because of an ankle injury, made his Glamorgan debut in April 1999.

The 6ft 4ins bowler took 257 wickets in 102 first-class appearances and 109 scalps in 112 one-day matches.

Harrison appeared for England Under-19s and was part of the Glamorgan squad that won the Norwich Union League in 2002.

"When I got to the ground yesterday and told the lads in a group it was quite a moving moment," he said. “It was a sad day as I realised I would not be playing with the boys on the field any more.

“I welled up speaking to guys who I have played with and have become my best mates.

"But I have been lucky to have played with some world class players over the years."

Harrison has been given a coaching and analysis role with Glamorgan’s first and second teams.