Wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs has been praised as a perfect role model for West Indies' [Images] players after announcing his retirement from international cricket.

West Indies convenor of selectors Joey Carew praised Jacobs' grit in a statement, adding: "I can only hope and pray that some percentage of that commitment, discipline and dedication to the game would be emulated by present and future cricketers in the region."

Jacobs, 37, from the Leeward Islands, announced his retirement last week.

He played the last of his 65 Tests against England [Images] at Edgbaston in July last year. He took 207 catches, made 12 stumpings and scored 2,577 runs an average of 28.31. He also played in 147 one-day internationals.

"I've given enough to West Indies cricket," Jacobs told Antiguan television.

"I don't think I'm motivated enough at this present time to go out there and represent West Indies any more. I guess that calls it quits."

West Indies were criticised by the local media for their lack of discipline after crashing to an innings defeat against South Africa in Bridgetown on Sunday. South Africa lead the four-test series 2-0 with one game to play.