“It has been a privilege to play first-class cricket for Middlesex, Somerset, and the MCC,” Compton said.

“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.

[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]“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 5 Cricketers of the Year in the 150th Anniversary Edition alongside both my cricketing hero Jacques Kallis, and my school friend Hashim Amla.

“Other highlights include being chosen as PCA Player of the Year by my peers after coming so close to being the first cricketer for 25 years to score 1,000 runs before the end of May is another, up there with making my Test debut in India and receiving my cap from England legend Graham Gooch.

“I treasure the 16 Test matches I played for England, especially my back-to-back Test hundreds which I scored in New Zealand. On the domestic front, what a team I played in at Somerset. 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.

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“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.

“I am delighted that I will be continuing my association with Middlesex Cricket in an ambassadorial capacity, both at Lord’s and in India – a country which is close to my heart. By remaining connected to cricket, I hope to continue developing and mentoring young cricketers, especially those who have a desire to excel.

“I look forward to pursuing my other interests, particularly in the media and photography as well as working on a few business ventures.

“Finally, 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.”