Hollioake calls time as Thorpe stays on

Surrey captain Adam Hollioake will retire from first-class cricket at the end of next season.

The former England all-rounder plans to devote more time to his family and charitable projects, beginning with his 2,000-mile trek from Edinburgh to Tangiers to raise money for the Ben Hollioake Fund, which starts tomorrow.

Hollioake's priorities have changed following the tragic death of his younger brother in a car crash last year and he no longer feels able to concentrate solely on cricket.

He said: "I have had a marvellous 14 years at Surrey and in the last seven years as captain we have achieved many things of which I am immensely proud. After much soul searching I have decided that 2004 will be my final year.

"I have many things that I want to do with my family, charity work with the Ben Hollioake Fund and my business interests. I will continue to give everything I can to the club in the next 12 months."

Hollioake has been Surrey's most successful captain since their golden era of the 1950s, leading them to eight domestic trophies in seven years, including three county championships along with this season's Twenty20 Cup and National League title. The 32-year-old has played Test and oneday internationals for England but has been out of favour with the selectors since 1999 and he was overlooked for the one-day captaincy given to Michael Vaughan this year.

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "We have had many discussions with Adam about his future.

"Of course, we are very sad that Adam will be retiring at the end of next season because he has been an outstanding captain and the most pivotal character in the club's success of recent years. We will continue to plan for Adam's succession and will ensure a smooth handover in to a new era."

Hollioake's plan to retire adds to the sense of a county in transition, and younger players such as Rikki Clarke, Jonathan Batty and Scott Newman will be expected make their mark next season.