Star batsman AB de Villiers has announced his decision to retire from all forms of international cricket with South Africa after a 14-year career.
The 34-year-old, who bows out with 20,014 international runs to his name, was expected to play on in the 50-over format for the Proteas until next year's World Cup.
Former captain De Villiers has quit representing his national side with immediate effect, however, as he is growing "tired" and wants to go out on a positive note.
"I have decided to retire from all international cricket with immediate effect," he said in a video statement on Wednesday afternoon. "After 114 Test matches, 228 ODIs and 78 T20 Internationals, it is time for others to take over. I have had my turn, and to be honest, I am tired.
"This is a tough decision, I have thought long and hard about it and I'd like to retire while still playing decent cricket. After the fantastic series wins against India and Australia, now feels like the right time to step aside. It would not be right for me to pick and choose where, when and in what format I play for the Proteas. For me, in the green and gold, it must be everything or nothing.
"I will always be grateful to the coaches and staff of Cricket South Africa for their support through all these years. The most important thank you goes out to all of my teammates throughout my career, I wouldn't be half the player that I am without the support throughout the years. It's not about earning more somewhere else, it's about running out of gas and feeling that it is the right time to move on.
"Everything comes to an end. To the cricket fans around South Africa and the World, thank you for your kindness and generosity, and today, for your understanding. I have no plans to play overseas, in fact, I hope I can continue to be available for the Titans in domestic cricket. I will continue to be the biggest supporter of Faf du Plessis and the Proteas."
De Villiers debuted for South Africa in December 2004 and appeared in 114 Test matches.
Daniel Lewis
