ROBERT CROFT insists that Glamorgan "will always hold a big piece of my heart" despite seeing his tenure as head coach come to an end.

After spending almost 30 years in the Welsh capital as a player, assistant coach and finally head coach, Croft leaves the struggling county with his head held high.

"After finishing my playing career it was one of my dreams to coach at this great club and I am pleased to have been able to fulfil that dream and play a part in developing the next generation of Welsh cricketers," said Croft.

“I leave knowing that Glamorgan has a number of extremely talented cricketers who can take the club forward.

"Although our County Championship campaigns did not got as I would have liked, we were able to compete admirably in the shorter formats of the game with a small and young squad of players.

“Glamorgan will always hold a big piece of my heart and I would like to wish the club and supporters well for the future.”

Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris thanked Croft for his dedication, saying: "On behalf of the club I would like to thank Robert for the incredible contribution he has made to Glamorgan, not just as head coach but also as a player, assistant coach and ambassador over the last 30 years.

“He is one of our greatest players and the most successful player we have ever had at the club at international level and has done more than anyone to promote not just cricket in Wales, but Welsh cricket to the world.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, meanwhile, has defended the rationale behind touring Sri Lanka in the rainy season, insisting the congested international schedule left no “wriggle room”.