da gbg bet： Speculation that Michael Atherton would make an imminent decision on his international future has been refuted by the England opener
CricInfo19-Aug-2001Speculation that Michael Atherton would make an imminent decision on his international future has been refuted by the England opener.The 33-year-old denied reports that he would announce a decision this weekend and reaffirmed that he would take his time before deciding on whether to continue his England career.In his column for The Sunday Telegraph, Atherton said: “There is obviously alot of speculation around at the moment as to my immediate internationalfuture.”Unfortunately some sections of the media cannot seem to comprehend the factthat when I say I will make a decision at the end of the season, then I will betrue to my word.”I believe that while you are under contract to the England team, you seethat contract through and then, only then, if there are any decisions to bemade, you make them.”As I said last year, the end of this season marks a natural watershed forme.”It is unlikely that I will face Australia again after the current tour and,since most of our international calendar builds up to the Ashes, it is naturalthat this should be so.”The former England captain has suffered with a long-term back injury and said that his continuing fitness battle may influence his decision.He said: “There are other considerations for me too; it is no secret that Ihave had some fitness problems with my back and I need to see how that isshaping up at the end of this year. The time for cortisone injections is near an end.”I have also been playing constant international cricket now for 13 years. Itdemands absolute commitment. Since I do not have children it is easy for me tosay, but I believe you either play or don’t play.”So, if I were to be available to tour this winter it would be for both toursand again it would be a long commitment.”I need to ask myself whether I still have the drive and whether thecompetitive instinct remains as strong as ever.”These decisions, I believe, can only be made with a clear head and certainlynot in the middle of two very important Test Matches.”I have played in games where players have announced their retirementsbeforehand and it can be a distraction to the rest of the team.”So while it would no doubt make a nice story I am afraid that if, and when,I retire I will do so in a low-key manner.”For a player, the timing of retirement is the most important decision hewill have to make. Once made there is no going back and therefore I intend togive myself a little time to make the right choice.”