FORMER Somerset and England batsman Nick Compton has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 35.

The top-order player has represented Middlesex, with whom he started his career, since leaving Somerset in 2014 but did not play at all in the 2018 season despite having been awarded a benefit year.

Annoucing his retirement, he told the Middlesex website: “It has been a privilege to play first-class cricket for Middlesex, Somerset, and the MCC. 

“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. 

“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. 

“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."

“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." 

Compton was a reliable run scorer during his five seasons in Taunton, with the 2012 season a particular highlight.

As he eludes to in his statement, the batsman came within a whisker of scoring 1,000 runs before the end of May - rain denied him the opportunity to complete the milestone at New Road.

He ended the 2012 season with 1,494 First Class runs at 99.60, enough to earn him a place in the Test squad for the tour of India.

Compton made a steady start to his Test career alongside Alastair Cook at the top of the order, playing his part in England's famous 2-1 win and retaining his place for the tour of New Zealand, where he scored his maiden Test century in Dunedin.

Another ton in Wellington followed but Compton was dropped ahead of the 2013 Ashes after a below-par performance in the return series against New Zealand.

Many supporters, particularly those of a Westcountry persuasion, felt Compton had been harshly treated and he returned to score prolifically with Somerset.

He topped 1,000 runs in 2013 and 2014 before leaving by mutual agreement at the end of the latter season to return to the capital, saying "the time feels right to return home".

Compton was awarded a surprising second shot at Test level for the tour of his native South Africa in 2015/16, where he scored 85 in the first Test in his hometown of Durban.

England won the series and Compton kept his place for the home series against Sri Lanka that followed but, as had happened three years earlier, lost his place after some indifferent displays.

Compton took an indefinite break from cricket after his England experience but returned to help Middlesex win the County Championship in 2016, though the club were relegated the following season.

Compton reflects fondly on his time in Taunton. Speaking at an open day for Millichamp & Hall, for whom Compton was an ambassador, early last year, he told the County Gazette: "It was great playing down here at Somerset.

"There is great support, the people are friendly and playing at Taunton in front of these fans is brilliant – I don’t think you really get that feeling anywhere else."