Veteran Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 35. He announced his decision on Twitter on Wednesday (November 24).

Mahmudullah confirmed that he will continue to play in the ODI and T20I cricket for Bangladesh after calling time on his 12-year career in Test cricket.

The 35-year-old made his Test debut in 2009 and went on to play 50 Test matches, scoring 2914 runs at 33.49, including five centuries and 16 fifties, and taking 43 wickets.

He played his 50th Test against Zimbabwe earlier this year in July at the Harare Sports Club – which was his last appearance in the whites for Bangladesh.

Mahmudullah had also received a guard of honor from his teammates on the final morning of the one-off Test match in Harare, but there was no official announcement of his retirement at that time.

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Well, it was a memorable occasion for the all-rounder, as he scored a career-best 150* to power Bangladesh to a 220-run win over Zimbabwe in the one-off Test. He was adjudged Player of the Match for his performance against Zimbabwe.

Mahmudullah said in a statement issued by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB): “Leaving a format of which I have been a part of for such a long time is not easy. I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career.”

The all-rounder further stated, “I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB President for supporting me when I returned to the Test team. I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories.”

He concluded, “Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continuing giving my best for my country in white-ball cricket.”

(With ESPNCricinfo/ANI Inputs)