VVS Laxman retired from international cricket with immediate effect, ending a good 16-year career with 8,700 test runs. He was included in India's squad for the home series against New Zealand starting next week but said he took the decision over the past few days. Good for him. Hope the other remaining senior will exit soon with grace rather than pushed out. The problem would be the younger lot who are not prepared to play test cricket. Hope New Zealand series will be a good experience for them.