Colin Smith has called stumps on his international career following his exclusion from Scotland's ICC Intercontinental Cup squad.
Smith hangs up international gloves after 10 years
Wicketkeeper Colin Smith has called stumps on his international career following his exclusion from Scotland's ICC Intercontinental Cup squad.
Smith had been planning to quit at the end of the season but decided on an earlier exit after being told by head coach Peter Steindl he would not feature in the tournament starting in Aberdeen on Thursday.
"Pete told me he wants to build the team for the challenges of four years' time, and no one can criticise him for that," said the 36-year-old Smith.
"I wanted to be involved with the World Cup qualifier in South Africa and the World Twenty20 in England.
"Now that these competitions are over, there seemed no reason to delay making my decision public."
Smith played 181 times at all levels of cricket, claiming a record 261 victims in his 10-year Scotland career and taking part in a World Cup and two World Twenty20s.
Oustanding
He appeared in 27 one-day internationals since 2006, scoring 432 runs and taking 22 catches and 11 stumpings. He also started eight Twenty20 internationals.
"I have had some great times and shared in good results with my team-mates over the past 10 years," he said.
"I remain astonished that an amateur cricketer like me can have the opportunity to play against every world-class nation, and most of their world-class players, on some of the most beautiful grounds in the world.
"It wouldn't happen in any other sport, and I have been greatly privileged by the experience."
Scotland team manager Euan McIntyre added: "Colin has been a most outstanding member of the squad for all these years, and an object lesson to all who would seek to follow him. He has contributed hugely to our successes, with gloves and with bat.
"He has earned his place in the pantheon of great Scottish cricketers, and I feel sure he will look back with satisfaction on a career of exceptional achievement."
Smith's retirement comes just over two weeks after that of Craig Wright, Scotland's most capped player.
