Croft hardly bowled in Sri Lanka

The news surprised England's chairman of selectors David Graveney, who was first informed of the slow bowler's decision by this website.

Croft, 33, played 21 Tests and 50 one-dayers, but will now devote his efforts to captaining Glamorgan.

He was called up for England's December tour of Sri Lanka but failed to make the Test side.

Croft said: "I've come to the conclusion that I will no longer offer myself for selection for any future England Test or one-day side."

I'm surprised - he was involved in the recent Sri Lanka tour and he's still up there in terms of being one of our best slow bowlers David Graveney Feature: More on Robert Croft

Reflecting on an England career stretching back to 1996, Croft made the decision to call it a day only after lengthy discussions with his family and the Glamorgan management.

Despite being called up as an extra spinner to supplement Ashley Giles and Gareth Batty in Sri Lanka he could not force his way into the Test side.

He returned home shortly before Christmas having bowled only 14 overs on the trip.

"In making this decision I was conscious that I've had a challenging and full career with England both at Test and one-day level of which I am extremely proud," he added.

I think Croft has made the right decision considering the way he's been treated the past few years From Ben Minton Have your say on TMS

"It's been a great honour and privilege to represent England as much as I have and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

"I would also like to thank my fellow players for all their help and huge contribution to my career over the years."

Graveney told this website: "I'm surprised actually because he was involved in the recent Sri Lanka tour and he's still up there in terms of being one of our best slow bowlers.

"Players will make their own decisions in terms of what to concentrate on but it's always sad when someone steps down."

Croft's best performances for England were, ironically, in Sri Lanka three years ago.

Croft's England career 21 Tests: 421 runs, av 16.19, HS 37no Wkts 49, av 37.49, best 5-95 50 One-dayers: 345 runs, av 14.38, HS 32 Wkts 45, av 38.73, best 3-51

He contributed with bat and ball and enabled the tourists to recover to claim the series 2-1 after losing the first Test in Galle.

Croft played a further Test the following summer in 2001 against Australia at Trent Bridge, which proved to be his last.

His refusal to tour India the following winter because of security fears in the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attacks on America effectively ended his Test career.

That was underlined in Sri Lanka when England continually overlooked his experience and stuck with Giles and Batty, who were unable to prevent the hosts taking the series.

"As captain of Glamorgan I intend to concentrate my efforts to further develop our success and to be consistently competitive in the four-day championship and one-day competitions," Croft added.

"Those efforts will involve not only actions on the field but also the further nurturing of our young Academy players and the development of many exciting plans for the future of Glamorgan."