Former England opening batsman Nick Compton retires from cricket
Former England opener Nick Compton says representing his country at Test level was the pinnacle of his career after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 35-year-old made his first-class debut for Middlesex in 2004 and went on to play 194 matches, also representing Somerset at county level.
Compton was part of the Middlesex side that won the County Championship in 2016.
He also featured in 16 Tests, opening alongside Alastair Cook as the first man England turned to following the retirement of Andrew Strauss.
The right-hander struck a maiden Test century during England's tour of New Zealand in 2013 and made it back-to-back hundreds on that trip. His final Test came in 2016 against Sri Lanka at Lord's.
Nick is grandson of former England Test player Denis Compton and expressed his delight at being able to follow the same path.
"Of course, the pinnacle of my career was following in my grandfather Denis Compton's footsteps, having achieved my dream of playing and winning Test series for England," Compton said in a statement.
"I treasure the 16 Test matches I played for England, especially my back-to-back Test hundreds which I scored in New Zealand.
"I am particularly proud of my successful opening partnership with Alastair Cook and our series victory in India, the first time in 28 years an England team has won in India.
"There have been some challenges that I have had to confront but in spite of these I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this career of mine.
"For one, being named one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year in the 150th anniversary edition alongside both my cricketing hero Jacques Kallis, and my school friend Hashim Amla.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family especially, and also my 'inner circle', for the support they have given me. I hope I did all I could to keep the Compton family flag flying."
Compton was awarded a testimonial year by Middlesex in 2018 but he did not take to the field for the Lord's side at all during the season and finishes his career with an average of 40.42.
"On the domestic front, what a team I played in at Somerset," Compton added.
"And winning the County Championship at Lord's on the final day of the 2016 season for Middlesex provided all involved with an experience that we will savour for the rest of our lives.
"It seems fitting that I have decided to retire now - 2018 is the year which my club, Middlesex, awarded me a testimonial year.
"It is also my grandfather's centenary and it gives me huge pride in being able to pay tribute to someone that has left such a positive legacy in my life and in British sport."
Compton is set to pursue opportunities within the media following his retirement and is also developing a career within photography. He has an upcoming exhibition at the Maddox Gallery in London.
He will also continue his stay at Middlesex by working as an ambassador for the club in the future.
Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser said: "Throughout Nick's career his commitment to excellence was absolute. He was one of the most determined, committed and brave cricketers I have had the pleasure of working with."
Cook, who opened alongside Compton in all 16 of his Tests, also paid tribute.
"It's always a sad day when a player retires from cricket but Compo can be very proud of an excellent career," Cook said.
"I was a proud captain watching Nick score his maiden Test hundred in New Zealand and to have opened the batting together in that two-year period."