Michael Atherton announces retirement

Michael Atherton today announced he is to retire from both international and first class cricket at the end of this season.

The Lancashire batsman, who led England 54 times and played in 115 Tests, said: "The Oval Test Match was my last for England and I now intend to fulfil my commitments with Lancashire before retiring from cricket at the end of the current season.

"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 since I first came into the professional game."