Tendulkar decides to concentrate on just his Test career

The 39-year-old, regarded as the world’s greatest living batsman, said he hoped the move would allow India to build toward the defence of their World Cup crown in 2015.

The ‘Little Master’ brings an end to his 50-over career after 463 ODI caps which gleaned 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, his highest score an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010.

He made 49 one-day centuries and 96 fifties, while the highlight of his ODI career was the World Cup victory on home soil in 2011.

Tendulkar also took 154 one-day wickets, his best return 5-32 against Australia in 1998.

“I have decided to retire from the one-day format of the game,” said Tendulkar.

“I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup-winning Indian team.

“The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in earnest. I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future.

“I am eternally grateful to all my well-wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years.”

Tendulkar struggled during the recent Test series against England, passing 50 in only one innings and averaging just 18.66, and a decision over his future had been mooted.

He spoke to BCCI president Narainswamy Srinivasan before making the announcement, and his statement also indicated his desire to continue in Tests, despite speculation that he could retire from all forms of the international game.

Australia’s chairman of selectors John Inverarity says captain Michael Clarke has a “50-50” chance of playing the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka.

Clarke trained separately from the rest of the team during a session at the MCG yesterday as he continues his quest to be fit for the second Test.

The Australia captain injured his hamstring during the first Test win in Hobart.

Martin Guptill struck a four off the final ball to reach his century and claim a dramatic series-levelling eight-wicket victory for New Zealand in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa.

Guptill finished unbeaten on 101 off 69 balls as the Blacks Caps reached their target of 169.