Atherton and Stewart no doubt raise their game when it comes to playing against the West Indies.
Alec Stewart and Michael Atherton both display a fighting quality and professionalism that has stood the test of time.
They have played all over the world and in some of the most difficult situations for their country.
I was refereeing in the England-South Africa Test match in Johannesburg in 1995 when Michael Atherton produced an epic unbeaten innings of 185 to deny what seemed a straightforward home victory.
His innings of determination and dedication personified everything he stood for.
And the unforgettable encounter against Allan Donald in the fourth Test against South Africa in 1998 will definitely have had an impact with all young cricketers in England.
That duel, between world-class fast bowler and opening batsman, was a gripping confrontation.
Impressive mark
Alec Stewart left a impressive mark on the West Indian cricket public when he scored two hundreds in a Test match against the West Indies in Barbados in 1994.
The Caribbean public love a batsmen who can play his shots even in the most adverse of circumstances - and Stewart is one player who can excite crowds with his strokeplay.
Atherton and Stewart no doubt raise their game when it comes to playing against the West Indies.
Players always respect the Windies because of our successful history. All good players love scoring against us and these two players are no exception.
In terms of the all-time great England batsmen, both are well up their with the greats.
Technical ability
Players like Tom Graveney, Colin Cowdrey and Geoffrey Boycott may be ahead of them in terms of technical ability.
But both Stewart and Atherton are still playing Test cricket so I'm sure at the end of their careers, they will be on the same technical level as the greats.
It is going to be very difficult to find players of Atherton and Stewart's calibre. But while it will not be easy to replace them, there won't be an enormous void when they go.
I'm sure England will be grooming the right players to take over from their Test positions.
Young Michael Vaughan seems to be maturing quite well and Marcus Trescothick will be learning the Test trade at Old Trafford.
Still England will miss the huge talents off Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart not just for their batting, but for their attitude and professionalism.