FORMER England skipper Michael Atherton today confirmed his retirement from international and first-class cricket.

The Lancashire opener, 33, revealed his decision as the England selectors announced the 16-man squad for the winter tours of India and New Zealand.

Athers - who received a standing ovation after his last Test innings at The Oval on Sunday - led England 54 times during 115 Tests.

He said: "I intend to fulfil my commitments with Lancashire before retiring from cricket at the end of the current season.

"I have enjoyed 15 wonderful years in cricket and would like to thank all the players and staff I have been involved with.''

Meanwhile, uncapped pair Richard Dawson of Yorkshire and Essex's James Foster have been included in the winter tour party.

Off-spinner Dawson played a major role in Yorkshire's first county title for 33 years.

Wicketkeeper Foster has been selected after Alec Stewart ruled himself out of the tour.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said: "The selectors intend to use this squad to explore various options.

"There are a number of senior players who have been left out but they will remain part of the thinking for the next World Cup.''

The full England squad is:

N Hussain (Essex, capt), ME Trescothick (Somerset), MA Butcher

(Surrey), GP Thorpe (Surrey), MR Ramprakash (Surrey), U Afzaal

(Notts), MP Vaughan (Yorks), WK Hegg (Lancs), JS Foster (Essex, wkt), C White (Yorks), AF Giles (Warks), RDB Croft (Glam), RKJ Dawson (Yorks), AR Caddick (Somerset), J Ormond (Leics), MJ Hoggard (Yorks).