CAPE TOWN, Feb 25: South Africa’s most successful fast bowler of all time, Allan Donald, announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect on Monday.

Donald, 35, who pulled up with a hamstring injury while bowling during South Africa’s recent defeat to Australia in Johannesburg, announced his retirement in a press release issued by the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA).

“I have reached a stage where I am tired of letting myself, my team and my country down with my injuries,” Donald said in his statement.

“I have decided to retire from Test cricket, but will certainly be available for one-day internationals and my goal at the moment is to play one-day international cricket for my country.”

Donald made his Test debut for South Africa against West Indies in Barbados in 1991-92, playing 72 Tests and is the only South African bowler to have passed 300 Test wickets.

During his career the right-arm paceman took a total of 330 test wickets at an average of 22.25.

Donald’s South Africa team mate, all-rounder Jacques Kallis, said that the Test side will be all the poorer for his absence.

“His experience will certainly be missed both on the field and in team meetings,” Kallis said.

“His record speaks for itself and he was always the bowler who put up his hand when the chips were down.”

“I think the best spell I saw him bowl was at Trent Bridge in 1998 when he and England opener Michael Atherton were having a contest. It was wonderful to watch.”—Reuters