Post by Taxigirl on Nov 26, 2003 10:34:32 GMT
Born: 2/6/1965
Debut: December 1985
Tests: 164
Runs: 10,660
Centuries: 32
Highest score: 200
Average: 51.25
Australia Test captain Steve Waugh has announced he will retire from international cricket at the end of the upcoming series with India.
In a news conference broadcast live throughout Australia, Waugh said he would quit after the fourth Test against India, which starts in Sydney on 2 January.
"The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last for Australia, should I be selected," the 38-year-old said.
"My form and fitness suggest I could go on, but all good things must come to an end.
"There is that element of sadness but there is a lot more to do in life and I am looking forward to it.
"My family and friends will be there in Sydney. It's a great place to finish and I think now is the right time."
Australia have not yet named their squad for the first match of the series, which begins on 4 December.
But Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland hinted Waugh would lead the side for the whole series.
If that happens he will end his career at his beloved Sydney Cricket Ground with 168 caps - 12 more than compatriot Allan Border.
"Whilst we will all be saddened to see Steve leave the playing arena, his announcement gives us all an opportunity to celebrate what has been an outstanding career," said Sutherland.
"I know Australian fans will be grateful for the opportunity to personally farewell him as he plays around Australia this summer.
"His courage, leadership and ability to perform at a high level under extreme pressure will ensure that he will be remembered as one of Australia's greatest cricketers."
Waugh said one-day captain Ricky Ponting was the player most likely to replace him as Test captain.
"The obvious choice is Ricky Ponting. He has done a great job with the one-day side. He has been groomed to take over."
Waugh is the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket, with 40 wins in 53 Tests.
He has scored 10,660 Test runs at an average of 51.25, including 32 centuries, putting him second on the all-time list of century makers behind Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar.
His highest Test score was 200 against the West Indies at Sabina Park in April 1995.
He revealed a chat with seven-year-old daughter Rosie had influenced his decision.
"At breakfast the other morning Rosie said to me, `I don't want you to go away anymore'," he said.
"So she'd obviously come to the stage where she thought that it was time for me to spend some more time at home."
Waugh also expects to continue his work with businesses and charities in India, where he supports a home for children with leprosy in Calcutta.
And he let it be known he would like to help international cricket's developing nations.
He said: "If I can help in anyway in the future to develop some of these other countries, like Kenya, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, then I see that as a role I would like to take on later on."