England batsman Kevin Pietersen has announced his retirement from international one-day cricket.

The 31-year-old has raised eyebrows by confirming his decision to step down from limited overs cricket while in the middle of England's Test series with the West Indies.

While Pietersen has decided to step down from one-day cricket, the South African-born right-arm bowler will remain available for Test cricket.

"With the intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, approaching 32, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through to gain experience for the ICC World Cup in 2015," said Pietersen.

Pietersen has competed in 127 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 contests for England.