High point: Mark Ramprakash, who has retired from all cricket, celebrates his second Test century against Australia at the Kia Oval in the 2001 Ashes

Mark Ramprakash has explained that his decision to retire was brought forward by Surrey’s reluctance to select him.

The 42-year-old ended his 25-year career after being told he was no longer needed so the batsman decided to bow out.

“I was looking to finish the season strongly,” he said. “That was what I wanted to do.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way but I’m not going to quibble over a couple of months, I’ve had a long career and have been very lucky to stay pretty much injury-free.

“I’ve seen a lot of players go out of the game in a negative, unhappy way. I’m not one of those.”