Gough took 229 Test wickets Gough's career in photos

England fast bowler Darren Gough has retired from Test cricket, blaming knee problems for his decision to quit.

But the 32-year-old Yorkshireman, who has taken 229 Test wickets, has not turned his back on his country entirely, insisting he wants to pursue his international one-day career and play in another World Cup.

"It has become apparent to me, no matter what my heart, head or public want me to do, that my knee will not allow me to play Test match cricket," said Gough on Tuesday.

"Obviously I'm sad, but I think every player knows when it's time to step down."

Gough, who had three knee operations last year, failed to shine in the first two Tests against South Africa, taking 1-88 at Edgbaston and 0-127 at Lord's.

I've found the last two matches hard going both mentally and physically Darren Gough Feature: Dazzler fizzles out

And he admitted: "Every day is a hard one and my career is based on being a strike bowler and being the one the captain always turned to in time of need.

"But, I've found the last two matches hard going both mentally and physically - not just on playing days but also against the backdrop of the effort I've put in over the last eight months to get back to this stage.

"I feel in order for me to concentrate on my dream of one-day cricket and possibly another World Cup for England and trying to help Yorkshire move forward, I feel I have to retire from Test cricket."

Have Your Say on TMS The right decision for Darren?

Gough made his England debut against New Zealand in 1994.

He played in 58 Tests, taking 229 wickets at 28.39 apiece, which put him eighth on the all-time England list of wicket-takers.

He has also played in 121 one-dayers, his 188 wickets at 24.96 making him England's most successful bowler in that sphere.

"We respect Darren's decision to step down from Test match cricket," said David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors.

"He has been a brilliant talisman for the English team over the past decade.

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"It has been unfortunate that his career has been blighted by injury and I am sure he would have moved higher up the all-time England wicket-taking list if he hadn't been so unlucky."

England face South Africa in the third Test at Trent Bridge, starting 14 August.