Veteran India batsman VVS Laxman has called time on his 16-year international career.

Laxman, 37, made the first of 134 Test outings in 1996 and went on to become one of the most feared middle-order batsmen of his generation, compiling 17 centuries, 56 half-centuries and a total of 8,781 runs in the longest form of the game.

However, question marks over his form had been raised following his disappointing performances on India's tour to Australia earlier this year, and the right-hander has now decided to end his international career.

"I have decided to retire from international cricket with immediate effect," Laxman told a press conference.

"It's been 16 years since I have made my international debut for India and I think it is the right time to move on.

"As a youngster it was a dream to represent India and it took a lot of pride to wear the India cap."

Laxman's Test career got off to a dream start when he made a half-century on his debut against South Africa in November 1996, although he would have to wait until January 2000 to score his maiden century - the first of six he would make against Australia.

In 2001 Laxman produced one of the most memorable innings of all time as his career-best 281 led India to victory after they were asked to follow-on by Australia in Kolkata.

Laxman also made 200, again against Australia, in a drawn Test in Delhi in 2008, while in November of the same year he made his 100th Test outing against the Australians in Nagpur.

Doubts over Laxman's international future surfaced earlier this year when he turned in a lamentable performance in India's 4-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia, the batsman failing to get past two runs in four of eight innings.