Fleming calls it quits

Stephen Fleming announces his international retirement in Auckland © Getty Images

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Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has confirmed he will retire from Test cricket at the end of next month's home series against England.

The 34-year-old left-hander, who also played county cricket with Middlesex, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, had planned to finish at the top level after the Test series in England which finishes in early June.

But Fleming, New Zealand's most capped Test cricketer with 108 appearances, has decided it is time to spend time with his family - particularly as his wife Kelly is expecting their second child in June.

"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," he explained.

"Retiring before the tour to England will allow me to be with Kelly for the birth of our second child and I'm excited about pursuing new business opportunities."

Fleming, who has ruled out the possibility of playing county cricket again once his new child is born next summer, has also signed up for the Indian Premier League and may play first-class cricket for Wellington to keep himself match-sharp for that.

"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," he added.

Fleming has scored 6,875 Test runs at an average of 39.73, which includes nine centuries, he captained his country for 80 Tests and 218 one-day internationals and his 166 Test catches are the most by a New Zealand player.