Scotland bowler Iain Wardlaw retires from international duty

Iain Wardlaw took 45 wickets in his Scotland career

Scotland pace bowler Iain Wardlaw has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.

Yorkshire's Wardlaw qualified to play for Scotland through his father and in his two years in the team he took 45 wickets in 22 One Day Internationals and four T20 Internationals.

The 29-year-old from Dewsbury led Scotland's bowling attack in the heavy World Cup defeat by Australia in March.

Scotland head coach Grant Bradburn praised Wardlaw's "big contribution".

"Iain is highly respected within the side and his contributions both on and off the park will be missed," he said.

Wardlaw said playing for Scotland was his career highlight and he expressed his thanks "to the players, staff and fans of Scottish cricket" for their support.

"I couldn't have wished to have played with a better group of lads who I wish all the success in the future," he said.

"I've seen the team develop into a much more mature and disciplined unit over the last few years, and I am sure there are special things to come from this group of players.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them play on the big stage in the near future.

"For me, I'm looking forward to a career path in the design industry where I started before cricket so there's plenty of exciting challenges ahead."