The 40-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman is preparing to make his 129th Test appearance in the opening match against South Africa at Edgbaston later this week.

Stewart had already announced he would be unavailable for one day international cricket following England's early exit from the World Cup earlier this year.

He has since been under pressure from young hopefuls like Nottinghamshire's Chris Read and James Foster from Essex.

But before England's selectors began their thinking for this winter's tours to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and West Indies, he has announced his decision early.

Among the many highlights of Stewart's Test career were the centuries in both innings against West Indies in Barbados in 1994 and leading England to a famous Test series victory over South Africa four years later.

He stands second only to Graham Gooch as England's leading Test run scorer and has also made more Test appearances than any other England player.

Stewart said: "I have given it a lot of thought and I let Duncan (Fletcher) know this morning over breakfast and then informed David Graveney as well.

"It's not something I have taken lightly. I had 13 years as an international cricketer and it's not something you just give away.

"I could have left it until later on in the summer but I thought it was better to get it out in the open now so we can get on with the series."

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