HAMPSHIRE Cricket legend Robin Smith announced his retirement from the game this morning.

Smith, who is 40 tomorrow, said his recent hamstring injuries had helped him come to his decision.

Smith, pictured, was instantly praised by Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove as "the most influential player in the county's history."

Smith, who was out of contract at the end of this season, said: "I have come to this decision after long and careful consideration, but my body tells me it's time to go.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my 23 years with Hampshire and I thank them for their support in enabling me to achieve my ambition of playing until I was 40."

Bransgrove added: "Robin has not only won many, many matches for the county but has won the hearts and minds of all Hampshire supporters everywhere."

Meanwhile, batsman John Francis, one player who could have replaced Smith in Hampshire's top order, is leaving the county.

He has turned down the offer of a new two-year contract and could be poised to join Somerset.

Wicket-keeper Iain Brunnschweiler and seamer Alex Morris have been released. But batsmen Jimmy Adams and James Hamblin and all-rounder Laurence Prittipaul have been offered new deals.

Background to this story inside tonight's Daily Echo