England batsman Nick Compton announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket on Thursday (October 4). 

Compton, who made his International debut in India during that famous 2012 tour, played 16 Test matches scoring 775 runs with an average of 28.70 for England. He never quite got going at the highest level but came across as one of those cricketers, who tried really hard - an admirable quality. 

Compton last played for England against Sri Lanka during the 2016 home summer, before being dropped on the back of some really poor form and questions raised about his basic technique as an opener. 

“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,” said Compton to his local county cricket club Middlesex's website, “I am particularly proud of my successful opening partnership with Alastair Cook and our series victory 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."

Compton, who is the grandson of the legendary Denis Compton, played his maiden first-class game for Middlesex in 2004 before featuring for Somerset across five seasons from 2010-2014. 

"It seems fitting that I have decided to retire now – 2018 is the year Middlesex awarded me a Testimonial Year," Compton further added, "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 hope I did all I could to keep the Compton Family flag flying."

Reacting on the development, Middlesex CEO Richard Goatley said, “It is a sad day for us that Nick Compton has retired from professional cricket. Nick has been a very special servant to the club, culminating in his key role in the Championship winning success of 2016. We are delighted that he will remain with the club in an ambassadorial role.”

(Inputs from Cricket Next)