DHAKA: Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris on Saturday made the announcement of his retirement from all forms of cricket effective immediately.

He made the announcement as his battered right knee has finally given out on him, ending his days in the baggy green less than a week before the first Test of the Investec Ashes, which he had hoped would be the capstone on his international career.

Ryan Harris played 27 Tests, taking 113 wickets at an average of 23.52 while in 21 ODIs, he took 44 wickets at an average of 18.90.

Two sets of scans during the tour match against Essex confirmed that Harris would be unable to get himself right in time to take part in this series.

As a result, he has decided to retire from the game, having set this tour as the final frontier after being ruled out of last summer’s World Cup campaign in order to give himself the best chance to play against England.

This means, Sydney Test against India in January will be regarded as Harris’ final international match.

“Given the news I received yesterday (Friday), and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket,” Harris said. “I’m pretty lucky, I have had a wonderful career and nothing made me prouder than pulling on the baggy green.”

“I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them. I couldn’t have played with a better bunch of blokes and walking away from the team and our support staff is probably the hardest thing to stomach right now. This is a very special team and I know they will do Australia proud in this Ashes series. I know I will certainly be watching every ball.

“I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family who have supported me through the ups and downs of my career and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life with them and spending time with my new son Carter. Whatever is next for me, and I don't know what that is right now, I know it will still involve cricket as that is what I love and I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much.”

Cricket Australia has named Pat Cummins as Harris' replacement on tour. Cummins was to take part in the Australia A tour of India but will now fly from Sydney to join the Australians ahead of the Cardiff Test.

Harris will not fly home immediately but remain with the team as a source of advice to the younger bowlers.

Aussie coach Darren Lehmann, a former state team-mate and longtime mentor of Harris, described him as “one of the most talented players I have ever seen.”

“Ryan always gave it his all for his country and he epitomises everything the baggy green stands for,” Lehmann said.

“His never-say-die attitude was his signature as he left absolutely nothing on the field each time he played and I think that is something for which he should be incredibly proud.”

BDST: 1709 HRS, JUL 04, 2015
SR