Career stats Allan Donald has announced his retirement from Test cricket after sustaining a hamstring injury on Friday during South Africa's first Test against Australia at Johannesburg.

"I have reached a stage where I am tired of letting myself, my team and my country down with my injuries," he said. "I have decided to retire from Test cricket, but will certainly be available for one-day internationals and my goal at the moment is to continue to play one-day cricket for my country.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my Test career. It has been a privilege to represent South Africa in Test cricket."

Donald, 35, had suffered by a string of injuries in recent seasons, and only returned from a long lay-off towards the end of South Africa's tour of Australia last December.

Donald made his Test debut against West Indies in Barbados in 1992, South Africa's first match following their return from sporting exile, and went on to take 330 wickets in 72 Tests at an average of 22.25.

Gerald Majola, chief executive of the United Cricket Board, led the tributes to Donald. "Allan has been a great servant of the game, and we hope he will continue to shine in one-day international cricket," he said. "We accept Allan's decision and his current contract, which expires in April, remains intact."

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