O'Brien to quit international cricket

New Zealand bowler Iain O'Brien has announced he will be retiring from international cricket following the Black Caps third and final Test against Pakistan in Napier next week.

The emotional 33-year-old made the announcement after taking four for 66 in the third day's play in the second Test in Wellington and said the decision had been based on a desire to spend more time with his English wife Rosie in the UK.

"I am 33 years old and my main focus now is becoming a 'proper' husband, starting a family, settling down and securing my future in that country," the seam bowler, playing in his 21st Test at his home ground in Wellington, said. "Cricket has been my number one; I've placed it in front of everything else. It's now time to put Rosie first and start a family."

He added: "This has been one very tough decision and I walk away with a heavy heart but I know for certain that I have made the right decision for me, my wife and my future."

O'Brien has signed with Middlesex as their overseas player for next summer.

"That could turn into a three-year deal if I can get residency over there quick enough," he added. "That's something to look forward to. It's some cricket to look forward to and it's not too far from where Rosie and I live."

O'Brien made his international debut against Australia in Christchurch in March 2005 and played the following Test against the same opponents in Wellington before being overlooked again until the series against South Africa two years later.

Since then he has been an ever-present in the side taking 67 wickets at 2286 - including Saturday's four-wicket haul.

His best Test bowling figures came in last year's fixture against the West Indies in Napier where he took six for 75 in match haul of seven for 165.