GLAMORGAN all-rounder Craig Meschede announced his immediate retirement from professional cricket yesterday, aged 28, due to injury.

Meschede has been dealing with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, which inhibits shoulder mobility and strength, since the mid-point of last season.

After months of rehab, specialists have now advised him to walk away from the game.

South African-born Meschede, who last year made five Twenty20 appearances for his father’s native Germany, said: “The syndrome has taken a massive toll on me physically and mentally and it’s been hard to perform skills at a level I know I’m capable of.

“I now need to undertake an operation and period of rehabilitation in order to get my quality of life back.”

Meschede made two centuries in 70 first-class appearances, while the first of his 142 wickets in the format was India superstar Sachin Tendulkar, during a tour match in July 2011.

Meschede also played in 55 List A matches and 96 T20s over the course of his career, which spanned nine seasons.