Johannesburg, December 12:

Nicky Boje, South Africa’s leading Test spin bowler, announced his retirement today in a move which came on the day he was due to join the squad for the first Test against India starting on Friday.

His sudden retirement came as a shock to selection convenor Haroon Lorgat and coach Mickey Arthur. Lorgat said it was the first he had heard of the left-arm orthodox spinner’s decision. Arthur also said he had not been contacted by the player. Boje, 33, played in 43 Tests in which he took 100 wickets at an average of 42.65. He also scored 1312 runs at an average of 25.23. He announced his retirement in a statement through the South African Cricketers’ Association.

Boje said: “I have decided to retire from international cricket immediately and I am accordingly unavailable to form part of the Proteas squad for this season. I have had eleven years of international cricket and will always cherish wonderful memories of playing for South Africa.”