Kallis to retire after Durban Test against India

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis will retire from Test and first-class cricket after the Boxing Day Test against India in Durban, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday.

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Kallis, cricket's fourth highest Test run-getter, would be available, however, for selection in the limited-over formats, Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

"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," said the 38-year-old, who has amassed 13174 runs and taken 292 wickets from 165 Tests.

"I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my Test whites," said the all-rounder who has also accumulated 11574 runs from 325 One-day internationals.

"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."

After the first Test ended in a draw, world No 1 Proteas take on India in the second and final Test on Thursday.

They will host Australia for three Tests and as many Twenty20 internationals in a series starting in February.

Image: Jacques Kallis