NZ's Martin retires from cricket

Martin, 38, played 71 Tests, 20 one-day internationals and six Twenty20s for New Zealand.

His debut came in a Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein in November 2000, finishing with four wickets from the match.

His last appearance was against the same opponents in Cape Town in January, when he took 3-63 in the Proteas' only innings.

His total of 233 dismissals make him New Zealand's third highest Test wicket-taker behind Sir Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori.

Martin says it just felt like time to call it quits.

"I've loved every second and given it everything when playing for the Black Caps," he said.

"But after 15 years of professional cricket, it's time to pursue a new challenge."

He appeared sporadically for New Zealand in the shorter formats, but was used regularly in the five-day version of the game and developed something of a cult following due to his lack of aptitude with the bat.

In 2008, Martin was ranked as the world's 10th best Test bowler.

Three years later, he won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as New Zealand's cricketer of the year.

One of Martin's most memorable performances came in 2004, when he collected match figures of 11-180 and led New Zealand to a rare Test victory over South Africa.

He was also a part of the historic Test win over Australia in Hobart in 2012.

A consummate No.11 batsman, Martin had 36 Test ducks, the second most after West Indian fast bowler Courtenay Walsh's 43.

In 104 Test innings Martin scored 123 runs at an average of 2.36 with a high score of 12 not out.