Kallis retires from International cricket

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who retired from Test cricket last December, has decided to end his one-day international career.

Kallis, 38, made his decision after scoring only five runs from his final three ODIs in Sri Lanka this month, reports the BBC.

However, he intends to continue playing Twenty20 cricket for Sydney Thunder and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kallis said that he had hoped to play for South Africa in next year's cricket World Cup, but realized after his performance in Sri Lanka, that it was a "bridge too far" to cross.

He also said that he felt that the Proteas were in a good space to bring the World Cup back home next year with the squad that they had at present.

Kallis played 166 Tests during which he scored 13,289 runs at an average 55.37. It included 45 centuries and 58 fifties. As a Test bowler, he claimed 292 wickets at an average of 32.65, and had five 5-wicket hauls

He played 328 one-day internationals for South Africa during which he scored 11,579 runs at an average of 44. 36. It included 17 centuries, 86 fifties, 273 wickets (average 31.79) and two 5-wicket hauls

In Twenty20 internationals for South Africa, he appeared 25 times, scored 666 runs (average 35.05), five fifties 12 wickets (average 27.75).

Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat was quoted, as saying: "South Africa has been blessed with one of the world's greatest cricketing talents in Jacques Kallis. He is undeniably one of the greatest players ever to have graced our wonderful game and he has certainly been the Proteas' standard-bearer of excellence for nearly two decades.