Laxman ends international career

Veteran India batsman VVS Laxman has called time on his 16-year international career.

Laxman, 37, made the first of 134 Test outings in 1996 and went on to become one of the most feared middle-order batsmen of his generation, compiling 17 centuries, 56 half-centuries and a total of 8,781 runs in the longest form of the game.

"I have decided to retire from international cricket with immediate effect," Laxman told a press conference. "It's been 16 years since I made my international debut for India and I think it is the right time to move on. As a youngster it was a dream to represent India and it took a lot of pride to wear the India cap."

Laxman's Test career got off to a dream start when he made a half-century on his debut against South Africa in November 1996, although he would have to wait until January 2000 to score his maiden century - the first of six he would make against Australia.

In 2001, Laxman produced one of the most memorable innings of all time as his career-best 281 led India to victory after they were asked to follow on by Australia in Kolkata.

Laxman also made 200, again against Australia, in a drawn Test in Delhi in 2008, while in November of the same year he made his 100th Test outing against the Australians in Nagpur.