THERE comes a time in every sportsperson’s life when they know they just can’t continue.

It may be the body just can’t do the job it used to or they have fallen out of love with the sport that has been so good to them over the years.

But for Matt Mason, who announced his retirement on Saturday, the Australian-born bowler felt he just wasn’t doing himself, his team or the supporters that have been so good to him over the years justice anymore.

A series of shoulder injuries and long, gruelling rehabilitation periods have taken their toll on the 37-year-old.

So when he leapt over the fence during the tour match against Sri Lanka last Wednesday, he was running over to his wife Kellie to inform her he was to call time on a career that had lasted 10 years.

“I was bowling to two international-class batsmen and suddenly thought to myself that four or five years ago I would have had no problem in doing it. I would’ve enjoyed the challenge.

“But, after a couple of overs in, I thought I wasn’t doing myself any favours. I couldn’t let the ball go and it would have been a shame to have carried on and ruin what has been a good career.

“I just decided to get off the field. Everyone must have been wondering where I was going to when I jumped the fence over at fine leg.

“But it was to go and see my wife first and let her know that the time was right, then I went and let Steve Rhodes know.

“It was very much my decision and a shock to everyone, including my wife.”

During his 10 years at New Road after arriving from his native Perth, Mason has seen a number of promotions and played in two Lord’s finals.

More recently, he has become the bowling coach at New Road — a role he enjoys a lot.

During his time with Worcestershire, Mason sold up back in Perth and made the Faithful City his home.

“It is a place that I have really become fond of,” he said.

“There is no intention of moving back to Australia. I wouldn’t want to leave the club.

“My wife keeps going on about moving to the coast but, no, I’m staying put.

“I did make the move and the conscious decision to sell everything up in Australia a few years into my time here. I’m glad I did.

“I still get to go home and visit family but, for me, this is home now.”

Having played alongside and against some of the greats during his career, Mason has no regrets about his decision to retire or to focus his game in England rather than Australia.

He added: “There have been frustrating times, particularly in the last few seasons where I have missed a bit of cricket, but overall I can look back and know I have had a really good career.

“If someone had said to me that I would play more than 100 first-class games, I would have taken that. I have done pretty well.

“Worcestershire have been very good to me. That is one of the reasons I felt it was right to finish.

“There would be no point stretching it out further and not doing the right thing by anybody, particularly myself.”