Max Waller: Somerset's leading T20 wicket-taker to retire

Max Waller has been awarded a testimonial year by Somerset in 2023

Somerset's leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket, Max Waller, is to retire.

The 34-year-old spent his entire career at Taunton after coming up through Somerset's youth programme and took 139 wickets in 144 20-over matches.

He also played 59 one-day games and nine first-class matches for Somerset.

"I've been lucky enough and play with some fantastic players, travel to some brilliant places all over the world and make some life-long friendships," he said in an open letter.

"The thing I'm most proud of is finding a way to be a successful leg-spinner for 15 years in T20 cricket at the highest scoring T20 ground in the world," he added.

"It's brilliant to finish my career as Somerset's all-time leading T20 wicket-taker and my career economy rate in T20 is something I can look back on with great pride."

Waller reached his first Twenty20 Cup final in 2009, the first of three successive final losses for Somerset, as they went on to be runners-up again in 2021.

"He played a significant part over many, many seasons in the success that the club enjoyed in T20 cricket, including playing in a number of T20 finals," said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry.

"He was also part of the squad that qualified for two T20 Champions League competitions in India which included a semi-final against Mumbai Indians.

"Max has also been hugely influential in helping younger players understand the levels of performance required at the top level of domestic cricket, and over the years he has been one the best fielders we have seen take to the field in a Somerset shirt.

"A Somerset record breaker, an inspirational role model for all young cricketers and of course a crowd favourite. On behalf of all the players, staff, Members and supporters of Somerset, we thank him for his unconditional service and all the memories he has given us. We wish Max and his family all the very best in the future."