England batsman James Taylor has been forced to retire from cricket due to a heart condition.
The 26-year-old middle order batsman played seven Tests and 27 one-day internationals.
Taylor, who plays county cricket for Nottinghamshire, withdrew from last week's game against Cambridge MCCU with what was believed to be a viral infection.
However, scans revealed he has a serious heart condition known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Arrhythmia (ARVC).
"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!" Taylor said on his Twitter account.
Taylor captained England in a one-day match against Ireland in May last year.
"It is both shocking and saddening to hear that James' career has been cut short in such a sudden and unexpected manner," England team director Andrew Strauss said in a statement released by the ECB.
"Throughout his career, he has constantly impressed with his determination to make the absolute most of his ability, and it is immensely cruel that such a hard working player will be unable to fulfil his great potential in the international arena.
"The ECB will work closely with Nottinghamshire and together we will do everything possible to help James through this difficult period, and aid him in his recovery."
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