South Africa's Shaun Pollock announces his retirement from cricket. Photo / Reuters
DURBAN - South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock announced his imminent retirement from international cricket on Friday.
Pollock, 34, said the current third test against West Indies, his 108th, would be his last.
However, Pollock said he would remain available for South Africa's five-match one-day series against West Indies.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed the honour and privilege of wearing the Protea badge," Pollock told a new conference.
"I take with me some remarkable memories having played against some great players."
Pollock said he would play in the Indian Premier League in April and May before deciding on his future.
"A few people have made me offers, but I haven't decided anything yet," Pollock said.
"I'd like to take at least a year off to be with my family."
Pollock said he had made his decision before the start of the season.
"I believe the timing is right," Pollock said. "It's pleasing to see the wealth of bowling talent that South Africa has in the wings, and I'm pleased to finish off on my own terms with regard to performance."
Pollock was left out of the first six tests South Africa played this season. He returned to take 4-35 in the first innings of the third test.
"I'm disappointed not to have played in the two home series before this match, but I couldn't think of a better venue to finish off my test career than Kingsmead.
"Having been left out for the New Zealand series, I didn't want to catch a game for sentimental reasons or as a last hurrah."
Pollock played in a South African team that was often near and sometimes at the top of the International Cricket Council rankings.
"I've been fortunate to play in a team that has the calibre of players to beat any opposition on any given day," Pollock said.
"It's been fantastic to play in front of passionate fans and for a proud sporting nation.
"I'm moving from being a committed South African team member to being a committed South African team supporter.
Pollock made his test debut against England at Centurion in 1995.
Pollock has scored 3781 runs at an average of 32.31 in 107 tests. His 420 victims makes him the only South African bowler to take more than 400 test wickets.
Pollock has played in 298 one-day internationals.
- REUTERS
