Thaindian News

Sydney, Feb 24 (IANS) Australian paceman Brett Lee Thursday announced his retirement from international Test cricket to prolong his career in other formats of the game.
Lee, who has been curtailed by injury in recent times, retires after wearing the Baggy Green in 76 Tests.

Reflecting on his career that has lasted over a decade, Lee said he was proud of what he has achieved in the Test arena.

“I am extremely proud to have played Test cricket for Australia. My reason for retiring from this form of the game is so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent my country in the other forms of the game,” Lee said.

The blonde speedster burst onto the Test match scene in the summer of 1999, making his debut against India in the Boxing Day Test.

After becoming Australia’s 383rd Test representative, Lee takes off the Baggy Green with 310 wickets to his name at an average 30.81, leaving him fourth on Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list (behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee) and 22nd on the world list.

Cricket Australia chief executive efficer James Sutherland paid tribute to Lee and his outstanding efforts.

“Brett had a fantastic career in Test match cricket for Australia over a long period and I take this opportunity to congratulate him the way he has represented his country and the outstanding contribution he has made,” Sutherland said.

“Brett has played a key role in helping the Australian team to be one of the most successful Test teams in history.”

“But it’s also the way he went about his cricket; with a readiness to smile and a clear enjoyment of what he was doing, which also helped lift the team’s popularity and won the support of fans in Australia and throughout the world,” Sutherland said.

“Although he’s now retired from Test cricket, I look forward to seeing him return to Australian colours in the shorter formats of the game, as I’m sure are many cricket fans around the world,” he said.