Alan Wells, 39, made his county debut in 1981, for Sussex. He captained them between 1992 and 1996, before joining Kent. He played 376 first-class matches, scoring over 21,099 runs at an average of 38.57, with a highest score of 253 not out for Sussex against Yorkshire at Middlesbrough in 1991. He toured South Africa with Mike Gatting's rebel team in 1989-90, captained England A in India in 1994-95 and won his solitary Test cap against the West Indies at The Oval the following summer, making 0 and 3 not out. Best moment
My one match for England in 1995. I'd waited such a long time to play Test cricket.

Worst moment
Definitely getting out first ball on my Test debut. That game was the best and worst of my career all in one. I still run through that ball from Curtly Ambrose - it'll never leave me.

What will you miss most?
It's probably an obvious answer, but the camaraderie between all the players. I'll really miss the atmosphere in the changing rooms - the laughs and enjoyment, and all the great friends I made at Kent and Sussex.

Who was your biggest influence?
Three people influenced me. First, my father who got me into cricket. Then two Sussex men: David Smith and my coach, Norman Gifford.

What has changed most in cricket during your career?
I think the awareness of players that they have to give themselves every chance to perform to their best at the highest level. When I started playing, it was just a question of turning up and leaving a lot to chance. Now players are much more aware of diet, exercise, even the psychology of the game. There's a lot more preparation.

What one moment made you decide to retire?
I don't know really, it became inevitable after so many years. Maybe when I got bowled out by Shane Warne two seasons ago at Portsmouth! Norman Gifford always told me you don't choose when to leave the game, the game will tell you when it's time to go - and I think that's true.

What is your biggest regret?
It has to be not playing more for England. I only got that one chance, which I think was a bit harsh. I wish I'd had another opportunity, or been able to play Test cricket earlier, rather than waiting so long for that cap.

What do you plan to do now?
My wife and I have bought a B&B in Alfriston in Sussex which we're going to run. So that's a whole new challenge - swapping the batting gloves for the oven gloves! I hope to stay in the game, though, maybe as a coach. I've got 21 years of experience and I'd want to pass that knowledge on to younger players.

How good a player do you think you were?
Pretty good! At one stage of my career, when I was making loads of runs in county cricket, I was confident that I could take on any bowler, at any level. I'm just sorry I never got the chance to do that in Tests.

Does one of your performances stand out?
Yes - that 106 not out I made against Glamorgan in the NatWest semi-final in 1993. We were under so much pressure at that stage of the game. For there to be such a turn-around and for me to be unbeaten at the end is a real highlight.

Would you do it all again?
Definitely. I loved it all, every minute of it. I'd recommend it to anyone. I have two small sons, and hopefully they'll go into cricket too. It's a fantastic life.

Alan Wells was talking to Camilla Rossiter.

More Time to Go
Ian Austin: What the heck, he gave it his all

David Ripley: 'I'm an old fogey who likes a pint'

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