ESSEX captain Ronnie Irani can be one of an elite band of county cricketers that will leave the game without having ever said if only'.

That is the verdict of former team-mate and fellow Ford County Ground legend Mark Ilott on hearing the news that 35-year-old Irani could be set to annouce his retirement from the game at the end of the season.

Irani has been blighted by a series of knee injuries and operations in recent seasons which are now taking their toll.

And having already missed three championship games this term, including today's match against Northants, it is widely expected that Irani is ready to call it a day.

Ilott said: "He is one of those players who will leave the game never having said if only' because he has achieved so much.

"He is a super, larger-than-life character and everybody at Essex idolises him.

"He has the repsect of his players, who have always played for him, and whatever happens in the confines of the dressing room, Ronnie has always backed his players publicly."