Australia paceman Lee announces retirement from Test cricket
Fast bowler Brett Lee, 33, has won 76 Australian Test caps in a glittering career
Also In The News
|
By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 24, Feb 2010 10:51
By Alistair Potter.
Veteran fast bowler Brett Lee has announced his retirement from the Australian Test side after 76 caps.
However, the 33-year-old has said he will continue to make himself available for selection for limited-overs cricket, including the World Twenty20 later this year and next year's Cricket World Cup.
Lee, who has been beset by a series of injuries, said he had made the decision "with mixed emotions" but, like several of his peers including England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, admitted it was the right call to extend his playing career.
"This hasn't happened over night, it's been a long process and I know the time is right which I suppose is why I'm smiling," he said.
"I also do want to say that it's not the finish or the end of me. I do have a lot more cricket left in me which is the reason why Test cricket has to go in order to prolong my one-day career for Australia.
"It's a sad thought that I'll never get to wear the baggy-green cap again, but I've had so much pleasure and so much fun and I've cherished every single moment of it."
Lee admitted he had considered retiring from the sport altogether after a string of injury and fitness problems, but said his "passion and desire" dictated his decision to continue in the shorter forms of the game.
"I'm 33 years of age now and I don't think I can get through the strains of bowling 30 overs a day for five days straight," he continued.
"I could probably do it for a period of time but in order for me to achieve these other goals something had to give and unfortunately it's Test cricket.
"I've put my body through 12 operations now in order to play cricket for Australia and there has to come a time when you have to draw a line."
Lee's most recent setback has been elbow surgery late last year that was expected to keep him out for around six months.
His last match for Australia was a Test against South Africa in 2008, which ended prematurely after he broke down with a foot injury.