Wright played his last game in a narrow defeat by New Zealand

Craig Wright, Scotland's most-capped cricketer, has confirmed his retirement from the international scene.

The 35-year-old played for his country 194 times since making his debut in 1997 and became captain in 2003.

His last appearance came as Scotland lost to New Zealand at the ICC World Twenty20 in England.

Wright said: "Stepping back from international cricket will allow me to focus on my role as performance development manager."

He led his country on a record 107 occasions and, under his leadership, the Scotland team won the 2004 Intercontinental Cup and the 2005 ICC Trophy.

Wright also led the side to the 2007 World Cup before stepping back from the captaincy.

He is the current record holder for wickets taken by a Scottish bowler, with 255 from nearly 1600 overs, and scored 2626 runs at an average of 20.52, with a highest score of 88 not out, against both Holland in 2004 and Surrey in 2005.

Wright announced his intention to retire in April. But, after an injury to Gordon Goudie and with other bowlers unavailable, he agreed to continue until after the Twenty20 in England.

Craig has been one of the most important figures in the Scotland team since his debut and has represented his country with great skill and passion on a record number of occasions Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith

"We have experienced several highs and lows over this time," he said of his international career.

"But I am glad to have been involved during a period where the Scotland team took significant strides forward and became the leading associate nation in the mid-2000s."

Scotland have received criticism for some recent performances, including their failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

New captain Gavin Hamilton has subsequently called for new talent to be found - and his colleague will have a major role in that, being responsible for the management and development of the regional and national academy structures and also coaching the national Under-17 and Under-19 squads.

Wright said: "It is important now that everyone involved in Scottish cricket is working extremely hard to ensure we get things moving in the right direction again after a difficult period recently.

"I believe we have a solid group of young players - such as Berrington, Coetzer, MacLeod and Goudie - around which the next team can be built. They not only have the appropriate skill level but also the right character to succeed.

"My ambition is to assist the next generation of Scottish cricketers in maximising their potential to raise the quality and quantity of players available at all levels of Scottish cricket."

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith thanked Wright for his contribution over the years.

"Craig has been one of the most important figures in the Scotland team since his debut and has represented his country with great skill and passion on a record number of occasions," he said.

"He played a vital role in the transformation of the national side and can take immense pride in the contribution he made to winning world competitions and beating English county sides.

"It is a measure of Craig's commitment to Scottish cricket that he put off his retirement in recent weeks to assist the side during a busy period when there were injury problems to other bowlers.

"I am sure now he will be even more focused on developing the next generation of Scottish cricketers."

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