South Africa opening batsman Alviro Petersen has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the Test series against the West Indies.
The 34-year-old has also revealed that he will retire from international cricket with effect from April 1, 2015.
The right-handed batsman has decided to quit the game in order to concentrate on playing domestic cricket in his home country and the county cricket as a Kolpak player in England.
#CSAnews #BREAKINGNEWS @AlviroPetersen retires from Test cricket http://t.co/nhnGGhIhSO pic.twitter.com/XLX7ahWncx
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2015
He has scored 2093 ( including five centuries) in 36 Tests for the Proteas at an average of 34.88, while he played 21 one-day international for his nation.
Petersen took to twitter to thank his teammates, fans and family.
Thank you SA, thank you @OfficialCSA , thank you fans, sponsors, fans and family. I gave my all to our country. Tears in my eyes… #proteas
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) January 6, 2015
Following the end of the three-match Test series against West Indies, South Africa retain their top status in the ICC Test Rankings.