Neil McCallum to call time on Scotland after CB40 clash at Mannofield

The 33-year-old teacher, who has played 133 matches for his country since his 2000 debut, is second equal behind Iain Philip on the list of century-makers for Scotland, having notched up seven hundreds.

McCallum scored 68 against Pakistan on his ODI debut and averaged more than 44 in 14 first-class games, which included a knock of 181 against the Netherlands in 2007.

McCallum, in a statement released by Cricket Scotland, said: "It has not been an easy decision to retire this weekend, but I believe the time is right.

"Representing Scotland has been an honour and I have been extremely fortunate to play at some of the world's best grounds, against some of the world's finest players and also to play in three memorable World Cups, each being an amazing experience.

"These days Scotland are training and competing all year round. It was becoming harder to dedicate the correct amount of time to perform and train at an international level.

"I have been trying to juggle work and family on top of school, club and regional cricket, as well as the demands of training and competing at the elite level."

Scotland head coach Peter Steindl declared it a pleasure to have worked with McCallum. Steindl said: "His dedication and enthusiasm both on and off the pitch has always been a major factor in his success and has been the benchmark for other players to follow.

"He never shirked from putting in the hours preparing, improving his skills and getting fitter all on top of holding down a full-time job in teaching and I know all of his team-mates held him in high regard."

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith added: "I doubt there has been a more determined, brave and committed player to ever represent Scotland. Neil's strength and importance were that he always delivered when his country needed him most."

The Scots take on Leicestershire today and Hampshire tomorrow, both at Aberdeen, in their last two home games of the Clydesdale Bank 40 campaign. Scotland welcome back Tasmanian Luke Butterworth from Scotland A duty to the squad that beat Northants and Warwickshire in July and George Walker makes way.