YORKSHIRE batsman Joe Sayers has announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

Sayers played his entire nine-year county career at Yorkshire, notching up 97 first-class matches and scoring 4,855 runs at an average of 32.58.

He amassed nine centuries with his top score of 187 coming against Kent at Tunbridge Wells in 2007, and he is one of only seven Yorkshire cricketers to have carried his bat through a completed innings more than once.

He also played 31 list 'A' matches, making his limited overs debut in September 2003 against Gloucestershire at Headingley.

The 30-year-old graduated from Oxford University with a degree in physics, and gave up a promising junior career as a goalkeeper at Bradford City to pursue a life as a professional cricketer.

He has been suffering from post-viral fatigue syndrome since 2010.

Sayers said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Yorkshire. I would like to thank everybody associated with the club, in particular the supporters, and I wish the lads all the best for the 2014 season.”

Colin Graves, chairman of Yorkshire, said: “Joe is a great guy and I would like to thank him for his contribution over the last few years and wish him well in the future.”