Injury forces Leicestershire's Swindells to retire

Harry Swindells graduated from Leicestershire's academy system in 2017

Leicestershire wicketkeeper Harry Swindells has been forced to retire at the age of 26 because of a finger injury.

It was less than two years ago that Swindells produced the finest moment of his career, scoring an instrumental 117 runs against Hampshire in Leicestershire's One-Day Cup final victory at Trent Bridge.

In the days before that trophy-winning knock he had been job hunting, as his contract was coming to an end at the time.

But the former England Under-19 international was rewarded with a new two-year deal in November 2023.

Leicestershire said Swindells had "numerous examinations and treatments to rectify the injury", but has since been advised to end his career on medical grounds.

He made 102 appearances and scored 2,717 runs for Leicestershire across all formats in his eight years of senior cricket with the club after coming through the academy.

The injury has limited him to appearances for Leicestershire's second XI this year, with his last first-class match in September 2024.

Swindells says it has "been a tough period" but insists "I've achieved my dreams".

"I've been immensely proud to represent the club I've loved since I was five years old over the past eight seasons," he told the club website.

"I want to thank the Foxes fans for their unwavering support across my career. I've always felt their love, and hearing them sing 'Harry Swindells, he's one of our own' was always an amazing feeling. Their passion that day at Trent Bridge was truly unforgettable, a shared memory I will treasure forever."