South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis has announced that he will retire from Test cricket after the Boxing Day Test against India in Durban.
The legendary batsman and swing bowler will end his illustrious career after the second of the two-Test series in South Africa, which is currently tied after a draw in the opening match.
The 38-year-old scored 13,174 runs in a prolific career, while his 292 wickets and 199 catches solidify his status as one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game.
"It's been an honour and a privilege to have been part of the South African Test team since making my debut 18 years ago. I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my Test whites," Kallis said in a statement.
"It wasn't an easy decision to come to, especially with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel that I have made my contribution in this format."
Despite ending his Test career, Kallis vowed to continue in the limited-overs format in an attempt to help South Africa to the 2015 World Cup.
"I don't see it as goodbye, I still have a lot of hunger to push South Africa to that World Cup in 2015 if I am fit and performing," he added.
"The last two years specifically have been a memorable journey with an exceptional group of cricketers. I am fortunate enough to have ended my Test career amongst a group of talented cricketers but more importantly, friends whom I will cherish for years to come."
Kallis played 165 Tests for his country and is fourth on the all-time runs list in that format behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Rahul Dravid.
Barney Corkhill
