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Former Black Caps skipper Fleming confirms retirement

14/02/2008

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has confirmed he will retire from international cricket following the upcoming Test series with England.

The 34-year-old, who has already retired from one-day cricket, cited family reasons for his decision, which will prevent him from touring England with the Test team in the summer.

Fleming has won 108 Test caps, 80 of those as skipper, but has chosen to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) following his exit from the Test arena, leaving him little time to spend with his expectant wife and young child.

"Retiring will allow me to be with my wife Kelly for the birth of our second child," said Fleming, before also indicating he would like to pursue a business career outside cricket.

"I always indicated that I was likely to retire from international cricket at some point in the near future and the time is right for me and my family to do that now.

"The IPL only takes a short amount of my time each year and allows me to continue pursuing my new endeavours outside of the game."

Fleming averages almost 40 throughout his Test career, with nine centuries and two double-centuries to his name.

He will join fellow veterans Shane Bond, Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan in retirement following their decisions to quit in recent seasons.