Former England all-rounder Chris Lewis has decided to retire from the county game because of persistent injury problems.

The 33-year-old's contract with Leicestershire has been terminated by mutual agreement because he is no longer fit enough for first-class cricket.

Lewis is suffering from a hip problem which restricted him to five Championship appearances last season, although he was a regular member of the county's one-day side.

He plans to play for a West Indian side in the Nottinghamshire Premier League next summer.

"Chris' medical condition prevented him from playing in a lot of Championship matches last season and this situation will not change in the future," said chairman Roger Goadby.

"It was felt to be in the best interests of both parties to terminate the contract. We do thank Chris for his contribution to Leicestershire's success in recent years and do wish him all the best in the future."

Guyana-born Lewis made his county debut for Leicestershire in 1987 and spent five summers at Grace Road before moving to Notts.

He was at Trent Bridge from 1992-94, but then left to join Surrey where he played until he rejoined Leicestershire in 1998.

Talent unfulfilled

Lewis was a hard-hitting batsman, a new ball bowler capable of genuine pace and a magnificent fielder.

But his England career did not run smoothly and he was once disciplined by Ray Illingworth for arriving late for a Test match.

He made 32 Test appearances between 1990 and 1996, scoring 1,105 runs including one century, and taking 93 wickets at an average of 37.52. Lewis also played in 53 one-day internationals.

There was fresh controversy surrounding Lewis last year when the News of the World quoted him as saying he had been told by bookmakers about three England players who had taken money to influence the outcome of matches.

A 16-month inquiry by detectives Scotland Yard later concluded that there was no case to answer against any player.