England fast bowler John Turner has announced his retirement from professional cricket at just 25 years of age, bringing an unexpected end to a promising career because of ongoing back injury problems.
Turner, who played two One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals for England on the 2024 tour of the West Indies, said a large factor in his decision was suffering stress fractures in his lower back many times. Although he has two more years to run on his Hampshire contract, he will walk away from cricket to concentrate on a new chapter in his life.
The right-arm pacer hasn’t played competitive cricket since June 2023 after he underwent treatment for a stress fracture in his back. Turner called it one of the hardest decisions he made but believed he was ready to look further into his future past cricket.
Turner said: “Playing professional cricket for Hampshire and representing England has always been a dream of mine since childhood as is the chance to play in The Ashes. He thanked Hampshire Cricket for their faith in him and his progression as a player for the past five years.
I just want to thank everybody at the club for their continued support, this experience that I have gained during my career has been more than I could ever have dreamed of and I am proud to be part of something that will always be special to me.
Turner is a graduate of Hilton College in Johannesburg, South Africa and also attended the University of Exeter where he studied Economics and Finance. He trained with Hampshire during a trial in 2021 and impressed, which saw him secure a contract with the club, with his mother being English and thus making him eligible for England.
His first England call-up came in 2023 due to his performances in The Hundred and he went on to make his international debut for England during their white-ball tour of the West Indies in 2024. Turner ended with three wickets in four international matches, Brandon King his first ODI scalp.
Despite being considered a potential for Hampshire’s fast-bowling future, Turner had limited chances to impress in the County Championship, making just seven first-class appearances. On loan for Lancashire, Hashim Amla played three County Championship matches at the start of 2025 before injury struck again.
Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, praised Turner for his hard work and service to the club. “White paid tribute to “one of the most talented cricketers I have ever played with who played a vital role during a successful period for Hampshire reaching four T20 Finals Days and competing near the top of the County Championship, as well reaching two One-Day Cup finals.
White said that he spoke with Turner and expressed sadness at his early retirement but praised him for having the chance to forge a career in another sport, adding: “The Hampshire family will always welcome Turner with open arms.
John Turner’s retirement and his potential for a long career that is sadly going to be cut short due to injuries. Although he had a brief international career, his memories of playing for Hampshire and England fulfilled boyhood dreams.