Glamorgan coach Jeff Hammond has announced his retirement from cricket. The Australian, who succeeded Duncan Fletcher last season, is to return home to pursue business interests.

Hammond, 52, leaves the 1997 champions on their way back down to Division Two after promotion last year. But he said: "I've had two fabulous years with Glamorgan and have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Wales.

"After a lot of soul-searching and discussions with my family I have decided that now is the right time for me to be leaving cricket.

"We've enjoyed a little bit of success in the time I've been here - and although we've been a bit disappointing in the championship this year it's good to see us finish the season on a high with the achievement of the Second Division championship in the Norwich Union League."

Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin said: "We respect Jeff's decision and as well as thanking him for his contribution over the past couple of years we would in turn want to wish both him and his wife Pauline the best of success for the future.

"As far as the timing of an appointment is concerned, we have two excellent coaches on hand already in John Derrick and Steve Watkin, so there is no immediate emergency.

"Although we recognise the importance of making a new appointment well before the start of the 2002 season, we naturally want to make sure we have looked at every option to ensure we have the right person to take over from Jeff."

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