England wicket-keeper Jack Russell announced his retirement from international cricket yesterday.

Russell, who made his England debut during the 1987 World Cup in Pakistan, played in 54 Tests and 40 one-day internationals.

The 35-year-old keeper's final appearance for his country was in the Wills International Cup against South Africa in Dhaka on Sunday.

Russell will continue to play county cricket for Gloucestershire, for whom he recently signed a new four-year contract.

England England captain Alec Stewart, whose emergence as a Test-class wicket-keeper-batsman restricted Russell's appearances in recent years, said his retirement was a "sad day".

Stewart added: "I've always said that he is the world's best and has certainly been England's best in recent times, but he has made his decision and you have to respect that.

"He is someone I have always looked up to and learned from and it's a very sad day, but it's good that he's finished at the top.

"We are very close friends and if I was not keeping wicket he would probably still be playing. He's been brilliant and helped me a lot.

Stewart said he did not know Russell's reasons for retiring. "It will give him more time for his painting," he added.