The worst-kept secret in cricket was confirmed this morning - Michael Atherton will retire from both international and first-class cricket at the end of this season. He led England for a record 54 times and played in 115 Tests. His final first-class game will be for Lancashire against Kent at Old Trafford in mid-September. His farewell statement was typically stiff-upper-lipped.

"I now intend to fulfil my commitments with Lancashire before retiring at the end of the season," he said. "I have enjoyed 15 wonderful years in cricket and would like to thank all the players and staff I have been involved with at Lancashire and England."

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