Lee quits internationals to focus on IPL, Big Bash
Source: Agencies |
July 14, 2012, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
VETERAN Australian pace bowler Brett Lee has announced his retirement from all international cricket but will continue to play Twenty20 matches in the Indian Premier League and in Australia's domestic Big Bash competition.
Lee, who hasn't played test cricket since 2010, suffered a calf injury during Australia's recent 0-4 one-day series loss in England.
He says his original plan was to retire internationally after the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, but realized he had lost the drive to play top-line cricket.
"The last two or three nights I thought about it a lot," Lee said yesterday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"I woke up this morning and just felt like I was ready.
"In a team environment you have to have 100 percent commitment, mentally and physically.
"And looking at the next few months I just didn't have that desire any more. It wouldn't be fair on me or the team. You get to a point in life when enough's enough."
Lee had side strains, stress fractures and ankle problems throughout a career that netted 310 test wickets in 76 matches and 380 one-day international wickets - one short of Glenn McGrath's Australian record of 381 ODI wickets.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Lee was an inspiration to children to take up the game.
"His record as a wicket-taker and leader of the attack is fantastic and speaks for itself, but his resilience and ability to bounce back after numerous injuries has also been impressive," Sutherland said.
"On top of this, and this is a significant part of his legacy, Brett inspired young Australians to play cricket and bowl fast."
Lee, who was not given a contract by Cricket Australia, is popular in India even before his IPL playing days and is a frequent visitor to the subcontinent.
Lee, who hasn't played test cricket since 2010, suffered a calf injury during Australia's recent 0-4 one-day series loss in England.
He says his original plan was to retire internationally after the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, but realized he had lost the drive to play top-line cricket.
"The last two or three nights I thought about it a lot," Lee said yesterday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"I woke up this morning and just felt like I was ready.
"In a team environment you have to have 100 percent commitment, mentally and physically.
"And looking at the next few months I just didn't have that desire any more. It wouldn't be fair on me or the team. You get to a point in life when enough's enough."
Lee had side strains, stress fractures and ankle problems throughout a career that netted 310 test wickets in 76 matches and 380 one-day international wickets - one short of Glenn McGrath's Australian record of 381 ODI wickets.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Lee was an inspiration to children to take up the game.
"His record as a wicket-taker and leader of the attack is fantastic and speaks for itself, but his resilience and ability to bounce back after numerous injuries has also been impressive," Sutherland said.
"On top of this, and this is a significant part of his legacy, Brett inspired young Australians to play cricket and bowl fast."
Lee, who was not given a contract by Cricket Australia, is popular in India even before his IPL playing days and is a frequent visitor to the subcontinent.
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