Former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake has announced his retirement from first-class cricket at the end of next season.

It had been common knowledge that some of the spark had gone out of the game for Hollioake lately, especially since the death of his brother, Ben, last year.

He explained that he wanted to devote more time to other things, particularly charity work for the Ben Hollioake Fund and his own business interests in Perth.

"I have had a marvellous 14 years at Surrey," he said, "and in the last seven years as captain, I feel we have achieved many things of which I am immensely proud. I will continue to give everything I can to the club in the next 12 months, and in the years to come."

Under the 32-year-old Hollioake Surrey have enjoyed their most successful period since the halcyon days of the 1950s, winning eight trophies, including three championship titles. In 2003 they completed the one-day double by winning the Twenty20 Cup and National League. Melbourne–born Hollioake played four Tests and 35 ODIs for England , captaining the one-day side 14 times between 1997 and 1999. He made his Surrey debut in 1993, scoring 123 in the second innings, and was named Surrey Young Player of the Year that season.

Hollioake will remain as captain for the 2004 season, which is also his benefit year.

In another development at The Oval, England's Graham Thorpe confirmed he had signed a new two-year contract with Surrey.

"I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else or ever playing against Surrey," he said.

2 Oct, 2003