By Chris Armstrong, Blair Stewart and Lee Stace

BLACK CAPS bowler Iain O’Brien made a surprise announcement which overshadowed an unispiring performance by New Zealand during the second test against Paskistan at the Basin Reserve today.

At a press conference after the conclusion of play, O’Brien (on right) announced next week’s test in Napier would be his final game for the national team.

The 33-year-old cites family for his decision to pull the pin on his international career and join his wife Rosie in England.

“This has been a very tough decision and I walk away with a heavy heart but I know, for certain, that I have made the right decision for me, my wife, and my future,” he says.

“I want to be a husband and start a family.”

Captain Daniel Vettori, who was at his side during the announcement, praised O’Brien for the contribution he has made to the team.

“Chris Martin and him have been my go to guys,” he says. ”I don’t think people have realised how much the team will miss him.”

O’Brien has no regrets about the decision: “I have been looking forward to it, and these two weeks with the team has been fun.”

He will move  to England before Christmas, where he has signed with county side Middlesex as an international player for next season.

He hopes to secure a three-year contract with the club, though much hinges on whether he is granted residency.