The cricket world reacted with shock and sympathy as James Taylor announced his retirement from the game because of a serious heart condition.
The 26-year-old, who played for England in their most recent Test against South Africa at Centurion three months ago, was revealed to have arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, his county Nottinghamshire announced, after undergoing scans yesterday.
As the news broke, Taylor told the world what he was going through in a tweet as defiant as it was heartbreaking.
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
The news clearly came out of nowhere for many on the cricket scene in England – including some of his teammates – and further afield, who reacted with shock and, above all, sympathy.
Terrible news @jamestaylor20’s career sadly brought to an end by a serious heart condition
We’re all with you Titch pic.twitter.com/qNa6gFZKGK— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 12, 2016
Very sad news about @jamestaylor20 .. A great lad who will be greatly missed on the pitch but hopefully will stay involved with the game ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2016
Thoughts go out to @jamestaylor20 today. Horrendous news having to retire but thank god it wasn't worse. Stay strong mate & get well soon
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) April 12, 2016
To say I'm gutted is an understand! A team mate, room mate and one of the best! Your a tough buggar buddy, stay strong! @jamestaylor20
— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) April 12, 2016
Just read the news mate. Absolutely gutted for you. Hope to see you very soon fit and well @jamestaylor20 .Good luck for the operation.
— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) April 12, 2016
@jamestaylor20 good luck hero, stay strong mate looking forward to a catch up soon. ?
— Liam plunkett (@Liam628) April 12, 2016
Deeply shocked & saddened to hear James Taylor retiring from cricket when his international career was looking so bright.
— Mark Ramprakash (@MarkRamprakash) April 12, 2016
Can't believe @jamestaylor20 is having to retire. Life can be really cruel sometimes. Thoughts with him.
— Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) April 12, 2016
Very sad news. Stay strong @jamestaylor20 https://t.co/HIAvaoOqSL
— Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) April 12, 2016
Unbelievably gutted for u @jamestaylor20. Most dedicated player I have seen, you will succeed in what ever u do next. Get well soon buddy x
— Luke Wright (@lukewright204) April 12, 2016
Absolutely gutted for the lad on many levels ! https://t.co/5tuCCJLax5
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) April 12, 2016
Jeepers @jamestaylor20 didn't see that one coming.. So sorry to hear the news.. Thinking of you buddy!! #getwellsoon
— Morne Morkel (@mornemorkel65) April 12, 2016
All the very best Titch. https://t.co/DGTAk1pBJW
— mark butcher (@markbutcher72) April 12, 2016
So sad to hear the news of @jamestaylor20 retirement. Wonderful professional and a great role model for young players #getwellsoon
— Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) April 12, 2016
Just seen all the chat about @jamestaylor20 can't believe it. Wishing him all the best at this time stay strong buddy everyone is behind you
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) April 12, 2016
Very sad news about James Taylor's forced retirement. Very talented cricketer. Can only wish him very best whereever the future takes him
— mike selvey (@selvecricket) April 12, 2016
Its really sad to learn that England cricketer @jamestaylor20 was forced to retire with a heart condition. Knowing him, he will fight on!
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) April 12, 2016
