Kallis to exit tests

South African cricketing great Jacques Kallis won’t face Australia in a three-test series early next year after announcing his retirement from the five-day format.

Kallis yesterday said the upcoming test against India, which gets under way in Durban today, will be his last as he also retired from first-class cricket.

However, the 38-year-old — described by Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Haroon Lorgat as the test team’s ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ – is determined to play for the one-day team at the 2015 World Cup.

‘‘It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been part of the South African test team since making my debut 18 years ago,’’ the star all-rounder said.

‘‘I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my test whites,’’ he said.

‘‘It wasn’t an easy decision to come to, especially with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel that I have made my contribution in this format.’’

Having started playing internationally aged 20, Kallis ends his career the highest-placed active player. He scored 13,174 runs and took 292 wickets in 165 test matches for the Proteas.

Kallis will hope to bow out with a victory in his final test, and a series win, after the first test ended in a thrilling draw.