Pollock announces international retirement

South Africa's Jacques Kallis plays a shot as West Indies wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin looks on during the second day of their third and final Test match at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Friday. PHOTO: AFP

South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock announced his retirement from international cricket following the second day's play against the West Indies on Friday.

Pollock, 34, said he would retire from Test cricket after the current third and final Test against the West Indies.

He will play in the five-match one-day international series against the same opponents before retiring from all international cricket. His final appearance will be at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Feb. 3.

He will then play in the officially sanctioned Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition in April.

He said he had received offers to play county cricket in England this year but was undecided at this stage whether he would have a third stint in the county game. He played for Warwickshire in 1996 and 2002.

"I'd like to thank Cricket South Africa for allowing me the opportunity of representing my country for the last 12 years," he said. "I thoroughly enjoy the honor and privilege of wearing the Protea badge and take with me some remarkable memories having played against some great players. I realize I have been blessed by God and feel I have nurtured my talents to the best of my abilities."

Pollock, who was playing in his 108th Test, has also featured in 298 one-day internationals for his country.

He said he had decided at the beginning of the season that it would be his last but he had not made an announcement because he had not been picked for any of South Africa's first six Tests.