Mahmudullah formally retires from Test cricket

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah Riyad has officially retired from Test cricket. 

The Bangladesh Cricket Board made the disclosure in a press release sent to the media on Wednesday evening.

Mahmudullah last played Test during Zimbabwe tour in last June-July.

At that time, he discussed his Test retirement with the fellows, and on the last day of the match, they gave him a guard of honour.

But the T20 skipper of the Tigers had not made any formal announcement and talked to the media in this regard. 

His announcement of retirement came a day before the two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

After making his Test debut on July 9, 2009, against West Indies, Mahmudullah Riyad played 50 Tests, taking 2914 runs at an average of 33.49.

In his 12-year long Test career, he hit five centuries, with the highest unbeaten 150 against Zimbabwe in his last Test match.

In his Test career, he also took 43 wickets and led Bangladesh in six matches.

Mahmudullah said though he retired from Test, he will continue to play ODI cricket and T20 format.  

BSS adds: In a statement, Mahmudullah said: "Leaving a format of which I have been a part of for such a long time is not easy. I had always thought of going on a high and I believe this is the right time to end my Test career. “I want to extend my gratitude to the BCB President for supporting me when I returned to the Test team. I thank my teammates and the support staff for always encouraging me and believing in my ability. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to play Test cricket for Bangladesh and I will cherish the many memories.

"Although I am retiring from Tests, I will still be playing ODIs and T20 internationals and really looking forward to continuing giving my best for my country in white-ball cricket."