Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez has called time on his Test career. The veteran opener said that the ongoing third and final Test against New Zealand will be his last outing for Pakistan in the five-day format.
"I feel time is up," said Hafeez. "I am announcing my retirement and feel happy that I worked hard in my career."
The 38-year-old got out on a duck on the second day of the match and announced his retirement. However, he said that he will continue to play limited-overs cricket.
"It is a personal decision and I have not taken it under any pressure. I have no regrets taking this decision," he told reporters after the day's play in Abu Dhabi.
Hafeez made his Test debut in 2003 and has played in 55 Tests since then, including the ongoing match. He has also represented Pakistan in 203 ODIs and 89 T20Is.
Before this Test, Hafeez has amassed a total of 3644 runs at an average of 38.35. He has scored 10 hundreds and has taken 53 wickets in the format.
Earlier in October, Hafeez made a strong return to the Pakstan Test side by scoring a century against Australia. However, he has suffered since then, failing to perform in the next Test matches against Australia and New Zealand in the UAE.
"Yes, I am disappointed at not having been able to get runs after the century but I have decided to retire from Tests with a clear mind," he said.
"I am satisfied with whatever I achieved for Pakistan in this format. I just want to focus on the limited-overs formats now," he said.
