FORMER Kent all-rounder Alex Loudon has retired from cricket less than 18 months after playing a one-day international for England.

The 27-year-old began his professional career at the St Lawrence before moving to Warwickshire in 2004.

He was called into England’s test squad for the tour of Pakistan in 2005/06 after former manager Duncan Fletcher discovered he had developed a ‘doosra’ delivery in addition to his off-spin and middle-order batting.

He went on to tour with England A in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but never made a test appearance.

He played a one-day game for England as recently as the summer of 2006, taking on Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street.

He had been offered a new contract by the Bears’ new director of cricket Ashley Giles despite taking just eight wickets at an average of more than 80 this summer.

After returning from a holiday in Ireland the former Eton head boy has however opted to pursue a career in business.

He said: “I have been very fortunate to have had the chance to play cricket for Warwickshire over the last three years.

"Whilst I had been offered a contract for next season, I have decided that the time is now right for me to begin a new career in business.”

Ashes winner Giles said: “Alex is a talented player but has always balanced his life as a professional cricketer with a good mix of outside interests. I wish him all the best for a successful future outside the game.”

Warks chief executive, Colin Povey, added: “I know Alex is really looking forward to starting out in the business world, and like Ashley I wish him well.”