Lehmann hit his fifty century of the season in the current Kent game

The burly 36-year-old left-hander, who made his 25th century for Yorkshire on the day of his decision, first played for the county in 1997.

"I have had some great times and have been honoured to wear the white rose," he said. "I'll miss the players, staff and supporters who've been fantastic."

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: "He will be sorely missed."

Lehmann was awarded his county game in his first season and captained the side in 2002.

Darren is not only a fantastic cricketer but is also a genuinely nice bloke who is adored by our fans Yorkshire c/e Stewart Regan

In 2001 he made his highest Championship score, 252 against Lancashire at Leeds, and in the same year he hit his best one-day score for the county, 191 against Notts.

Though he played the last of his 27 Tests in 2004 and saw a one-day career spanning 117 matches end in 2005, he continues to play for state side South Australia, who he has captained since the 1993-4 season.

TMS VIEW A big thank you to the big fella - as the current match shows he has been invaluable to Yorkshire RB TMS: Have your say

"He has made it known for a number of weeks that his body was struggling to cope with the demands of a rigorous first-class cricket schedule and this season was likely to be his last for Yorkshire," Regan revealed.

"We fully respect his decision and thank him whole-heartedly for a magnificent Yorkshire career."