Hafeez set to retire from Test cricket

The 38-year old only recently returned to the Test side after over two years out, scoring 126 in the first Test against Australia in October.

Despite that knock, Hafeez has struggled for runs in subsequent innings, scoring just 39 runs across his four innings thus far in the three-Test New Zealand series.

While the all-rounder made his debut in 2003 against Bangladesh, Hafeez enjoyed his most fruitful period as a Test cricketer under the captaincy of Misbah Ul-Haq after 2010, establishing himself as a key cog in the side as an opening batsman and off-spinner.

Hafeez may still feature with the bat once more in the Test match, and currently has 10 Test centuries to his name to go alongside 12 half-centuries. His highest score in the format is 224, which came against Bangladesh in 2015.

Hafeez intends to continue representing Pakistan in the limited-overs formats, with an eye on the ICC Cricket World Cup next year in England.

“Today I want to announce an important decision that I have made,” said Hafeez. “I feel that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from the Test match format so that I can focus with my full energy on playing for Pakistan in the white ball formats especially with the ICC World Cup set to be played next year.”

“I feel honoured that I represented the country in 55 Test matches including the opportunity of captaining the team.”

“I wish the Test team the very best for their upcoming assignments starting with the tour to South Africa, the team management especially the coach and captain have worked very hard in forming an exciting core of players that can serve the team for long.”