South Africa's Hashim Amla retires from international cricket

The 36-year-old calls time on his 15-year Proteas career but will continue to play in franchise T20 leagues

Hashim Amla, the South Africa batsman, has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.

The Durban native enjoyed 15 years playing for the Proteas across three formats, during which time he established himself as a modern-day great.

In 124 Tests he amassed 9,282 runs, the second most of any South African player past or present, at an average of 46.64.

One-day cricket was arguably Amla's preferred format, averaging just under 50 across 178 innings. He went past the milestone of 8,000 runs during the World Cup.

Amla was equally as impressive in the T20 arena, amassing 1,277 runs in 44 matches at 33.60.

Though the 36-year-old is taking his leave from international cricket he plans to continue his career in T20 franchise leagues across the world.

He has previously represented Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League, Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League and Durham Heat in the Mzansi Super League.