Rhodes retires from Test cricket; Cullinan from ODIs

Jonty Rhodes, the world's finest cover fielder, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday and fellow-batsman Daryll Cullinan said he would no longer play one-day internationals.

United Cricket Board managing director Ali Bacher said both players met with him last week to discuss reducing their cricket commitments so they could spend more time with their families.

Rhodes (31) and Cullinan (34) said their decisions were caused by the pressures of having to balance home life with rigorous international schedules.

"I'm very passionate about the game, but I've got a greater love, and that's my family," Rhodes said.

"It's been difficult for me to split the two. But my priority will always be my family.

"I also want to play for South Africa in the 2003 World Cup. Considering that I'm 31 now, I don't think I'd make it physically if I continued to play both forms of cricket."

Bacher said the UCB will revise both players' contracts, which they can expect to receive within two weeks.

"Both players have young families, but both still have a passion to play cricket for South Africa. That's why we believe their requests were reasonable," said Bacher.

Rhodes made his Test debut against India in 1992/3 and has played 52 Tests. He missed the tour of India this year, staying home to support his wife Kate through the birth of their first child.

Mail Cricket Editor