Atherton will decide on future at season's end

Speculation that Michael Atherton would make an imminent decision on his international future has been refuted by the England opener.

The 33-year-old denied reports that he would announce a decision this weekend and reaffirmed that he would take his time before deciding on whether to continue his England career.

In his column for The Sunday Telegraph, Atherton said: "There is obviously a lot of speculation around at the moment as to my immediate international future.

"Unfortunately some sections of the media cannot seem to comprehend the fact that when I say I will make a decision at the end of the season, then I will be true to my word.

"I believe that while you are under contract to the England team, you see that contract through and then, only then, if there are any decisions to be made, you make them.

"As I said last year, the end of this season marks a natural watershed for me.

"It is unlikely that I will face Australia again after the current tour and, since most of our international calendar builds up to the Ashes, it is natural that this should be so."

The former England captain has suffered with a long-term back injury and said that his continuing fitness battle may influence his decision.

He said: "There are other considerations for me too; it is no secret that I have had some fitness problems with my back and I need to see how that is shaping up at the end of this year. The time for cortisone injections is near an end.

"I have also been playing constant international cricket now for 13 years. It demands absolute commitment. Since I do not have children it is easy for me to say, but I believe you either play or don't play.

"So, if I were to be available to tour this winter it would be for both tours and again it would be a long commitment.

"I need to ask myself whether I still have the drive and whether the competitive instinct remains as strong as ever.

"These decisions, I believe, can only be made with a clear head and certainly not in the middle of two very important Test Matches.

"I have played in games where players have announced their retirements beforehand and it can be a distraction to the rest of the team.

"So while it would no doubt make a nice story I am afraid that if, and when, I retire I will do so in a low-key manner.

"For a player, the timing of retirement is the most important decision he will have to make. Once made there is no going back and therefore I intend to give myself a little time to make the right choice."