Hyderabad: VVS Laxman will not play the Test series against New Zealand as he has announced his retirement from the international cricket with immediate effect today.
The series against New Zealand starts August 23 in Hyderabad.
During his 16-year long career, Laxman played 134 Tests and scored 8781 runs with the help of 17 centuries. In 86 ODIs, he scored 2338 runs with the help of 6 centuries.
"I have always kept the country`s success and need ahead of my aspirations. I could not perform up to the expected levels in Australia and England. It is time to give chance to youngsters now so that they prepare for the future tough tours," Laxman said at the press conference.
Laxman thanked the BCCI, his parents, family, fans and teammates for their support. "I might have disappointed a lot of them but never without the lack of effort."
"As far as fitness goes, I worked quite hard for the last 3 and half months. This happened to me four or five days back when an internal battle started. The inner voice asked me if I wanted to play for my own self or in the better interest of the country. Other greats who have retired in their careers told me that when such a thing happens, you should know that the right time has come. That happened 4-5 days ago," Laxman added.
BDST: 2009 HRS, August 18, 2012
Edited by
Chanchal Ghosh, Newsroom Editor
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