‘I don’t have the capacity anymore’: England pacer quits after 500-plus wickets, citing mental health

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 3: Craig Miles of Gloucestershire bowls during the Rothesay County Championship Division 2 match between Middlesex and Gloucestershire at Lord’s Cricket Ground on April 3, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) England fast bowler Craig Miles has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 32, saying he had to retire to protect his mental health.Miles, who last played in June during the Vitality Blast, ended a 15-year career with more than 500 wickets across formats.In an open letter published by Gloucestershire, Miles explained that his recent struggles with cricket had become too much to handle.“It is with sadness but also immense pride that I can announce that I am retiring from professional cricket. While this was by no means an easy decision, given the problems I have experienced with the game recently, I have made the call to prioritize my mental well-being,” he wrote.“The recent time away from the game has given me the opportunity to better reflect and understand myself, as well as my relationship with cricket. The challenges I have faced recently are ones I have experienced at other points in my career, although never with the same intensity as this time. The high expectations I place on myself and the standards I have always strived to achieve have often been the catalyst for these periods.”“At times they compromised how I felt about my abilities and performances. The subsequent questioning and self-doubt only serves to reinforce an unhelpful narrative. When you add to that the volatility and uncertainty that cricket naturally brings, it becomes a ruthless and ultimately unsustainable way to approach the game.”

Looking back on your career

Miles said he no longer felt able to maintain the standards he expected of himself, despite enjoying many successful seasons in the sport.“Unfortunately, I now feel that I no longer have the capacity to continue in a way that allows me to train, play and perform at a level that I can accept from myself. Of course, there have also been many periods where I have loved the game, played freely and really expressed the player that I am.”“A first-class debut at 16, more than 200 caps, more than 500 wickets, a One Day Cup and a Championship win – it was a pretty good try. I can now appreciate those achievements more than ever and maybe for the first time allow myself the self-reflection I deserve.”Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis described Miles’ decision as brave and said the club would fully support him as he steps away from professional cricket.