Ryan McLaren ends first-class career

Ryan McLaren has retired from first-class cricket after registering 6,298 runs in the format as well as 459 wickets.

Former South Africa all-rounder Ryan McLaren

Veteran South Africa all-rounder Ryan McLaren has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, nine days ahead of his 36th birthday.

McLaren played two Tests, 54 one-day internationals and 12 Twenty20s for his country between 2009 and 2014.

In first-class cricket, he proved an effective performer in South Africa and England, representing Kent, Hampshire and Lancashire in county cricket.

He ends his first-class career, which began in 2003, having scored 6,298 runs at an average of 33.86 and taken 459 wickets in the format at 27.61.

"I have learned from many to know when it's the right time. The time has come for me to retire from first-class cricket," wrote McLaren in a statement posted on his official Twitter account.

"I'm grateful to have shared a changeroom with some of the best our country has produced. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the support I have had from my wife, family, coaches and team-mates both in SA and in county cricket."

McLaren intends to continue playing in the shorter forms and added: "I have absolutely loved every part of what this game has taught me ... time for some white-ball fun now."