YORKSHIRE have announced that Chris Taylor has retired from professional cricket to concentrate on running his Pro Coach Cricket Academy.

Taylor, 28, had one year left on his existing deal at Headingley, but his progress has been hampered by a series of injuries over the past two seasons since returning to the club from Derbyshire.

In fact, he only played four first-class matches in the last two seasons – and they were all in 2008.

He said: “I have had ten thoroughly enjoyable seasons as a professional cricketer with both Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

“Following my successful stint with Derbyshire I genuinely thought I could make a real impact back at Yorkshire.

However, I have been somewhat disappointed not to have played more first team cricket.

“That said, I do realise there are some very exciting young cricketers emerging at the club, and it is unlikely I will get any first eleven opportunities in 2010.

“The last thing I want is to block the development of talented young cricketers making their way in the game.”

Taylor, who made his firstclass debut in 2001, also represented England under 17s and 19s.

He scored 2,510 runs in all forms of the game, including three first-class and two oneday centuries.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Chris is a great guy, and I am sorry that he has not had the breaks he needed to establish himself in our first team. I would like to thank him for his contribution over the last two years, and wish him well in his new venture.”

Taylor set up the academy with recently appointed Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale, who will take a back seat in its running.