Brett Lee retires from international cricket

Jul 13, 2012 05:28 pm

Australia pacer Brett Lee has announced his retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career, saying his body and mind were no longer up to the stresses of touring. “It’s official, I have retired from international cricket. Thanks for all your love and support. It’s been an amazing 13 years,” Lee said via Twitter on Friday, ahead of an official news conference. Lee, 35, who returned home early from Australia’s one-day tour of England this month with calf problems, said it was the right time to call an end to his long career. “I woke up this morning and knew I had to call it quits today. Friday the 13th, 13 years (since his Test debut), I thought it was pretty appropriate,” he told Channel Nine. “I thought I would go over there and try and play the Twenty20 World Cup (in Sri Lanka in September), but (being) mentally and physically challenged, it would just not be worth it. “So I’m walking away happy with the call I’ve made.” Lee said while he had enjoyed his cricket career, he was tired of being away from home for long periods and was looking forward to a different phase of his life. “It’s been a fantastic career and I’ve loved every minute of it, but it’s stage two of my life now,” he said. “My holiday will be at home — I’m sick of being away. That was on my mind as well — time away from home. “I just want to maybe do some fishing and just chill out for a few months.” One of Australia’s most fearsome fast bowlers, Lee retired from Tests with 310 wickets in February 2010, although he played on in one-day and Twenty20 cricket. Lee has captured 380 wickets in 220 ODIs and 28 wickets in 25 T20 internationals. Lee however will continue to play in domestic T20 tournaments across the world. He is contracted with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and also plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Australian Big Bash. Both teams have made it to this year’s Champions League T20 as winners of their respective domestic T20 tournaments.(AFP)