However, the 38-year-old will remain available for one day cricket if required.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to have been part of the South African Test team since making my debut 18 years ago," the star all-rounder said.

"I have enjoyed every moment out in the middle but I just feel that the time is right to hang up my Test whites," he said in a statement issued by Cricket South Africa.

"It wasn't an easy decision to come to, especially with Australia around the corner and the success this team is enjoying, but I feel that I have made my contribution in this format."

Having started playing internationally aged 20, Kallis ends his career the highest-placed active player. He scored 13,174 runs and took 292 wickets in 165 Test matches for the Proteas.

"The last two years specifically have been a memorable journey with an exceptional group of cricketers," he said.

"I am fortunate enough to have ended my Test career amongst a group of talented cricketers but more importantly, friends whom I will cherish for years to come."

Captain Graeme Smith praised the veteran's achievements, but expressed sadness at his retirement.

"It's been an emotional few days knowing JK (Jacques Kallis) retiring," Smith posted on Twitter.

"All I can say what a privilege to have played with the great man! Hopefully we can give him the send off he deserves over the next 5 days! Gonna miss him immensely."

Kallis will hope to bow out with a victory in his final Test, and a series win, after the first Test ended in a thrilling draw last Sunday in a game between probably the two best Test teams in the world.

He said, though, that he still had the appetite to try and help South Africa win the World Cup.

"I don't see it as goodbye because I still have a lot of hunger to push South Africa to that World Cup in 2015 if I am fit and performing," he said.

AFP