Petersen retires from international Test cricket

Proteas opening batsman Alviro Petersen announced his retirement from Test cricket in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Petersen made the announcement after the conclusion of the third and final Test against the West Indies, which South Africa by eight wickets and took the series 2-0.

"I feel that at 34 it is time for me to retire from international cricket and to move on with my career," Petersen said.

"I intend playing county and franchise cricket for the next three years and also concentrating on my foundation and my cricket school."

After a lean run in the Test side, where Petersen scored 226 runs in 2014 at an average of just over 20, his place in the side had come under scrutiny.

Petersen played 36 Tests for South Africa after scoring a century on debut against India in Kolkata in February 2010.

He amassed 2093 runs, at an average of 34.88, with a highest score of 182 against England in Leeds in August 2012.

"It has been an honour to represent my country and to be part of a South African Test team that is ranked number one in the world.

"I want to thank Cricket SA, my team mates, sponsors and cricket fans for all the support and memories over the years. I will miss the Proteas amazing team culture that we have built ... and especially, my team mates but it is time to move on.