England batsman James Taylor retires due to 'heart problem'

Taylor, who won the last of his seven caps in England’s most recent Test against South Africa at Centurion three months ago, withdrew from Nottinghamshire’s opening and ongoing County Championship match at home to Surrey because of illness.

The Midlands county announced on its website on Tuesday that “specialist scans revealed yesterday (Monday) that the 26-year-old has the very serious heart condition, ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia).”

Taylor, whose condition requires surgery, told his Twitter followers: “Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life! My world is upside down. But I’m here to stay and I’m battling on! #lifestooshort.”

Safe to say this has been the toughest week of my life! My world is upside down. But I’m here to stay and I’m battling on! #lifestooshort

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 12, 2016

His diagnosis is similar to that of former Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba, whose career was cut short after he collapsed on the pitch in 2012.

England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss, Taylor’s first England Test captain, said: “It is both shocking and saddening to hear that James’ career has been cut short in such a sudden and unexpected manner.

“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.”

Taylor’s absence from Nottinghamshire’s first-class match against a Cambridge student team last week was put down to a viral condition.