Warwickshire blow as Ian Salisbury retires to take Surrey coaching role
Leg-spinner Ian Salisbury has delivered a major blow to Warwickshire’s pre-season preparations by announcing his retirement from first-class cricket.
The 39-year-old was a huge success at Edgbaston last season after taking 31 first-class wickets and five five-wicket hauls in just 13 matches and earned a one-year extension to his existing two-year deal.
The county’s director of cricket Ashley Giles had hoped to use Salisbury as a major part of his bowling attack for 2009.
However a coaching offer from his former club Surrey proved to be too tempting for Salisbury and the former England player has now called time on his long and distinguished career.
“Following discussions with Ian over recent days, the club agreed that Surrey could approach him in connection with a new role in their recently revised coaching structure,” said Giles.
“After a good season in 2008 Ian’s contribution to the Warwickshire squad will be missed, but in all honesty we did not wish to stand in his way when such a good opportunity became available.
“We wish him well for the future and are sure he has much to offer in his new capacity at the Oval.”
