Former South Africa wicketkeeper Errol Stewart announced his retirement from cricket on Friday at the age of 34.

"It's all about finding the time to play and work," Stewart, a Durban banking executive, told Reuters. "But the fact that I can no longer play for South Africa made the decision to retire easier."

Stewart was due to be named as Mark Boucher's understudy for this year's World Cup until he withdrew from a South Africa 'A' tour to Zimbabwe in January for personal reasons.

Stewart played six one-day internationals and 98 first-class matches in 16 seasons with Natal.