Ramps pays tribute to Hick after he calls time

Mark Ramprakash believes it is the end of an era for English cricket following Graeme Hick's decison to retire at the end of the season.

"I suppose Father Time stops for no one these days," said the Surrey captain. "Graeme Hick has had a magnificent career and the statistics to prove it. He is such an accomplished player and someone who everyone looks up to around the country."

Hick made his England Test debut in 1991 against the West Indies alongside Ramprakash.

"I have very fond memories of the two of us starting our Test careers together in a very difficult match at Headingley all those years ago," said Ramprakash, who recently joined Hick among the elite band to have scored 100 first-class hundreds.

And, like Hick, he also received negative press throughout his career, particularly for his Test record. Ramprakash said: "I find it very disappointing that whenever his name is mentioned there are very negative things said about him, as without doubt he is a wonderful player."