SOMERSET batsman Johann Myburgh has announced he will be retiring from professional cricket at the end of the season.

Myburgh, 37, has been with the club since 2014 and only last week scored a superb 42-ball century against Hampshire in the Vitality Blast.

The opener has played key roles in all formats during his time in Taunton, playing in 28 First Class matches in which he has scored 1332 runs at an average of 33.30, with a best of 150 not out.

He has also scored over 600 runs in List A matches with a best of 81 and in T20 cricket he has scored over 900 runs for the club.

Myburgh has penned an open letter to Somerset supporters:

"When I joined Somerset CCC back in 2014 it only took me a couple of weeks to realise that I had made a great decision. It didn’t take long for me to hope that I would get the opportunity to finish my long and winding career here.

"My career has been an interesting journey filled with so many people to thank and life lessons learned, that I should probably write a book about it all. Today however, is about letting the big Somerset family know that I have decided to retire at the end of the season.

"What a special place this has been for me and I have felt so at home here in Taunton. My boy Joshua was born at Musgrove Park Hospital and I’m convinced that I now have Somerset blood pumping in my veins.

"My team mates have of course played a massive role in my enjoyable time here in the South West.

"I have made friendships that will last forever, seen young boys turn into men and enjoyed the inner child in the seasoned guys. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the great times both on and off the field and more importantly, for accepting me into your changing room and making it ours.

"Thank you to the coaches and support staff, without the sacrifices that you guys make on a daily basis, the sustained progress of this Club would not be possible.

"Further, to the staff of Somerset CCC; you are some of the friendliest, most helpful people I have met and I owe so many of you favours that I can’t count them all.

"To the fans; playing in front of you has been an absolute pleasure and the energy you give to the boys on the field is something special. I have greatly appreciated the off-field support, the small conversations I’ve had with some of you, and the care you all have shown to both my Family and I. I hope I showed enough appreciation for the support and provided some entertainment in return. I would love to leave you with the special gift of a trophy at the end of this season and will do my best to assist the squad in bringing back the Vitality Blast trophy by my last game.

"I have so many people to thank and this will happen in due course as I am not quite finished yet. I do however want to thank my wife Gill who has been amazing. She has been by my side, supporting me on this rollercoaster ride, pushing me to be better and picking me up when I needed to be carried.

"To my family, what a long journey it has been for you all and to think it’s now almost finished. It all started with my parents support and belief in me, in a boy that had a dream which was plain for anyone to see if you were in the suburbs of Pretoria during the early 90’s.

"Playing with my brother in the backyard, wearing our coloured cricket clothing, and my two sisters playing the part of commentator and scorer. Was I ever going to be anything else? With the six of you behind me, I think not.

Lots of Love

Johann"

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry told the club website: “During his time with the county, Johann has been a key member of the Somerset family.

"Not only is he an outstanding cricketer and athlete, he is a gentleman, a leader and a friend to all associated with the Club.

“He is an outstanding role model and mentor, and our young players will have taken much from his experience over the years. He has taken the decision to retire whilst he is still enjoying the game, as well as positively influencing matches as he showed last week with his exceptional innings against Essex Eagles."

Head coach Jason Kerr added: “When he arrived at the Club he fitted in seamlessly right away and since then he has made a huge contribution. He’s an incredibly intelligent cricketer and he articulates that brilliantly in the dressing room.

"He has been of great support to both our young players and also the more senior guys. He is certainly someone that I have tapped in to regularly on my coaching journey.

“In professional sport authenticity is incredibly important and you won’t find a nicer bloke than Johann.”