John Turner, the England fast bowler, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at just 25 after back injury problems forced him to withdraw from pre-season nets.
Hampshire pacer also confirmed it was due to repeated back stress fractures and a lengthy time away from the game, which was a key factor in his decision. Turner had not played competitive cricket since June 2025, during which time he recovered from a stress fracture and finally felt it was good to do something different with his life.
Injury Ends a Promising Career
Turner played his maiden international for England on the latter’s white-ball tour of the West Indies in 2024. He went on to play two One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals for England, taking three wickets in the 4 games.
The young fast bowler was reconsidering his future in the game after recurring back injuries, despite winning an England development contract and having two years left on his Hampshire deal.
Emotional Farewell
Turner described in his retirement statement the decision as “one of the toughest moments he’s had in life”. The dream of playing for Hampshire and England was a childhood dream come true, he said.
The 25-year-old, who has been out of action with a back stress fracture for over a year as well as having suffered other injury problems in the past, explained: “Having spent over a year sidelined from cricket through injury and with my previous injuries hindering me in different ways time away from the sport provides an opportunity to pursue things beyond that.
Turner went on to thank Hampshire Cricket from the bottom of his heart, stating: “Thank you for believing in me from day one, and supporting me continuously throughout my career.
Journey from South Africa to England
Turner was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and attended Hilton College before moving to the United Kingdom for tertiary education. Through his English mother, he had a British passport and studied Economics and Finance at the University of Exeter.
Turner had made a notable impression during the trial and then joined Hampshire in 2021. Impressive displays in domestic cricket and The Hundred secured him England’s maiden call-up in 2023 before making his international debut a year later.
He had a lot of potential but with injuries never really made it at first class level. Turner featured in just seven County Championship matches for Hampshire before spending a brief loan period with Lancashire in 2025, but his career was interrupted by fresh injury woes.
Hampshire Pays Tribute
Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White added: “Ever since he arrived at the club, Turner has been a star player and it is very disappointing news for everyone associated with Hampshire.
In one particularly successful time for the club, White singled out Turner’s contribution in getting to so many T20 Finals Days, high finishes in the County Championship and two One-Day Cup finals.
Turner always gave his all and he wished him every success in the next step of his career.
John Turner International Career at a Glance
| Format | Matches | Wickets |
| ODI | 2 | 2 |
| T20I | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 4 | 3 |
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