Stewart calls it a day

Alec Stewart, dropped a bombshell today when he announced his forthcoming retirement from international cricket at the end of the impending series against South Africa.

Stewart (40) has been an almost permanent fixture in the England set-up over the last 13 years, a veteran of 128 tests and 170 one-day internationals.

Stewart said "I have given it a lot of thought and I let Duncan Fletcher know this morning over breakfast and then informed David Graveney."

Duncan Fletcher said that the news came as a real surprise to him, saying "I still believe that Alec is the best wicket-keeper we have by some distance but there are some young keepers coming through."

One who may well profit from Stewart's announcement is Nottinghamshire's Chris Read, who had such an excellent NatWest Series against Zimbabwe and South Africa with both bat and gloves.

If Stewart hangs on to his position in the test side throughout the series against South Africa, it is fitting that his final international appearance will be at The Oval, a venue he has graced for club and country for the last 22 years.



Posted by Eddie