By IANS
Auckland : Ending all speculations about his career, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming Thursday confirmed that he will retire from Test cricket after the home series against England next month.
The 34-year-old left-hander, who is considered New Zealand’s most successful skipper, will play his final match at Napier against England on Mar 22.
Fleming, the most capped Kiwi Test cricketer with 108 appearances, has decided to call it quits in order to spend time with his family, especially with his pregnant wife Kelly, who is expecting their second child in June.
He had already retired from the one-day internationals (ODI) after last year’s Caribbean World Cup.
“Cricket has been my life, it’s been incredibly good to me. I really enjoyed thinking about the game, I got more enjoyment out of my captaincy than my batting,” Fleming was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.
“Retiring before the tour to England will allow me to be with my wife Kelly for the birth of our second child and I’m excited about pursuing new business opportunities,” he added.
Fleming also confirmed that that he will feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and play first class cricket for his home side Wellington.
“A key business opportunity I will be pursuing is the establishment of a marketing media and sports management business here in New Zealand.
“I will also be taking up the option of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL),” he said.
Fleming has till date scored 6,875 runs in Tests at an average of 39.73, including nine centuries.
He led his country in 80 Tests and 218 ODIs and was considered one of the shrewdest skippers of modern day cricket, since making his debut 14 years back in 1994.