England batsman James Taylor has been forced to retire from cricket at the age of 26 due to serious heart condition.
After making his Test debut in 2012, he has been a part of the squad that defeated South Africa in their own backyard. In the limited overs format, he has made 27 appearances for the Three Lions.
Taylor was expected to be part of Nottinghamshire's squad to face Cambridge MCCU last week. However, he was withdrawn due a medical condition and the scans revealed the middle-order batsman has ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia).
"England and Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor's career has been sadly brought to an end by a serious heart condition," a statement read on the ECB's official website.
"Taylor originally withdrew from last week's fixture against Cambridge MCCU with what was believed to be a viral condition. However, specialist scans revealed yesterday that the 26-year-old has the very serious heart condition, ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia)."
Former England captain and the Three Lions team director Andrew Strauss has expressed his disbelief and suggested that the ECB and Nottinghamshire will help him during this tough time.
"It is both shocking and saddening to hear that James' career has been cut short in such a sudden and unexpected manner," Strauss said.
"Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability, and it is immensely cruel that such a hard working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena.
"The ECB will work closely with Nottinghamshire and together we will do everything possible to help James through this difficult period, and aid him in his recovery."
