VVS Laxman announces retirement from international cricket

VVS Laxman ended all speculation surrounding his retirement on Saturday when he announced his decision to call it quits from international cricket with immediate effect.

Earlier, it was speculated that Laxman would announce his retirement at the end of the first Test against New Zealand at his hometown Hyderabad. But the Hyderabadi batsman, who was reportedly miffed at comments in the media that his presence was blocking chances for the youngsters, did not wait for the New Zealand series to finish and decided to hang his boots.

The veteran Indian batsmen held a press conference on Saturday where he made a formal announcement of his decision to retire, bringing curtains down on a 16-year prolific career.

Laxman was included in India's squad to face New Zealand in a two-Test series beginning with the first Test from August 23 at Hyderabad.

The Hyderbad batsman - known for his gift of timing the ball - made his Test debut in November 1996 and has played 134 Tests, in which he scored 17 hundreds and 56 half-centuries at an average of 45.97. Laxman also played 86 ODIs for India at a batting average of 30.76. He scored six centuries and 10 half-centuries in ODI cricket.

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