Oram announces Test retirement

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The 31-year-old, who missed the recent Champions Trophy with a hamstring problem, has been plagued by injuries during his international career and believes stepping away from the Test arena will allow him to prolong his stay at the top.

"This decision has been a very tough one and has not been made without careful consideration and discussion with those closest to me," Oram said.

"The last few years have shown that my body cannot handle the strains and stresses that come with being an all-rounder, playing all three formats for up to 10 months a year.

"For the sake of longevity I have had to make a decision that will decrease my workload so I can concentrate all my efforts on the shorter forms of the game."

Oram, who will remain on a central contract with New Zealand Cricket, continued: "The decision to choose limited-overs cricket over Test cricket has a lot to do with playing opportunities.

"The Black Caps play a lot more limited-overs cricket than Tests, and there's also the opportunity to continue playing in world events such as the World Cup, World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy, as well as the IPL (Indian Premier League).

"The opportunity to spend more time at home with my family including my first child, due next month, is also a major reason for deciding to pull back on playing commitments and time away from home."

Oram made his Test debut against India in Wellington in 2002 and in his 33 Tests has scored 1780 runs, including five centuries, at an average of 36.32 and taken 60 wickets.