Ollie Sale has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

Sale’s career has been consistently hampered by injuries and despite a strong pre-season after joining the club, he was ruled out of the entire 2023 campaign after a reoccurrence of a stress fracture in his back.

“Following another entire cricket season ended by injury, the last few months have given me time to reflect upon and consider my position as a professional cricketer. Subsequently, it’s with great sadness that I’ve decided to take the difficult decision to retire from cricket and begin a new career path.” Sale said.

“This isn’t a decision I have taken lightly and I’m obviously gutted that my career hasn’t evolved the way I’d hoped. There have been many injury frustrations over the years, and I’ve got to the age now where the patience with my body has worn thin and regrettably the benefits of cricket aren’t outweighing the sacrifices anymore.”

A graduate of the Somerset academy in 2014, Sale impressed when featuring, finishing as Somerset’s leading wicket taker in the 2020 T20 Blast and averaging just over 17 in 2022.

However following the move at the end of last year, persistent injury problems have held back the 28-year-old’s progression.

“When I came to Northamptonshire last year, I was thoroughly looking forward to the opportunity of making an impact in a new environment, and I leave the club disappointed and frustrated to have not been able to contribute on the pitch.

“I know that I’ve given my all, and I now can’t wait to take the skills and lessons that cricket has given me into the next chapter of my life.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Steelback and I’d like to thank everyone at the club for making me feel so welcome these past 14 months.

“I think the club is in a really exciting place moving forward and I look forward to supporting the boys in their success.”

Head Coach John Sadler was full of praise for Sale as he begins his new career outside of cricket.

“It’s a real shame for Ollie, he’s a super lad and the ultimate professional who can hold his head up high.

“At his best we know he would have been a very good asset for us but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

“He will absolutely make a huge success of his next chapter and we all wish him the very best moving forward.”