The former England batsman, who had spent 20 years playing for Lancashire, had stopped enjoying the game as much as usual after struggling for form all season.

He said: "I have always said that I wanted to continue playing while I was enjoying my cricket and maintaining a standard which I found acceptable.

"Unfortunately, performances this season have fallen short of the standards I set myself.

"This obviously lessens the enjoyment of playing the game at this level.

"However, I have had a long and successful career and I am proud of what I have achieved.

"I have played in some great teams, with some great players and perhaps most important of all, I have made some great friends."

Sunday farewell

Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons and cricket manager Mike Watkinson both paid tribute to Fairbrother, who will now concentrate on sports management - which he already dabbles in when not playing.

His Old Trafford farewell is expected to be Sunday's Norwich Union League clash with Northamptonshire.

Simmons said: "He has had a wonderful career going back to 1982. He will be badly missed and I'm sure there will be a few tears when he goes."

Watkinson added: "Neil and I made our Lancashire debuts in the same match and it is a tribute to his commitment, as well as his ability, that he is still playing at this level 20 years later."

Fairbrother's teamate Graham Lloyd, the son of former England coach David, has also decided to end his career.

He has been unable to hold down a regular first-team place this season.